Tides Applauds Cecilia Muñoz’s appointment as Director of the Domestic Policy Council

Tides congratulates civil rights and immigrants’ rights advocate Cecilia Muñoz on being named the new White House Director of the Domestic Policy Council by President Obama. This historic announcement marks Muñoz as the first Latina in the position, as well as the highest ranking Latina in the White House.

“I am delighted that President Obama has appointed such a talented and tireless community advocate to this post,” said Tides CEO Melissa L. Bradley. “Cecilia Muñoz represents the new emerging majority in this country, and has the skills and experience to change the conversation on many key domestic issues.”

As a former Senior Vice President at the National Council on La Raza (NCLR) — a grantee of Tides — Muñoz worked on issues ranging from health care, education, and immigration. In her new position, Muñoz will bring experience in policy-making in these issues areas to the White House, as well advise the president on issues including Social Security, the environment, energy, and infrastructure. She currently serves as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs as a liaison to state, local, and tribal governments, and also serves as Co-Chair of the President’s Task Force on Puerto Rico’s Status.

President Obama praised Muñoz saying, “Over the past three years, Cecilia has been a trusted advisor who has demonstrated sound judgment day in and day out. [She] has done an extraordinary job working on behalf of middle class families, and I’m confident she’ll bring the same unwavering dedication to her new position.”

Muñoz has also worked with a number of Tides’ partners in the sector, including serving as the former Board Chair of the Center for Community Change, as well as on the boards of the Open Society Institute, Atlantic Philanthropies, and the National Immigration Forum. She was recognized by a MacArthur Foundation fellowship in June 2000 for her work in the fields of immigration and civil rights.

Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR added to the chorus of praise saying, “Latinos are not a one-issue community and they are affected significantly by all the issues within DPC’s portfolio. Having someone with Cecilia’s knowledge and perspective as head of the DPC is unprecedented and will be a big plus for the community.” She continued, “Cecilia’s appointment is great news for America’s families.”

Read the complete White House press release, as well as the press release from NCLR.

Public domain photo of Muñoz by Pete Souza via WikiMedia Commons.