Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 16, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Appoints Interim Director for Hispanic Commission

Gov. Gary Locke today named Uriel Iñiguez as the interim director of the Commission on Hispanic Affairs. Iñiguez will serve as interim director through November 2004, while Antonio Ginatta, the commission’s director, takes an extended leave of absence.

Iñiguez’s role will be to continue providing a focal point in Washington state government for the interest of Hispanic-American citizens.

“Uriel’s work experience in state government and his volunteer work will make him an excellent director,” Locke said. “He is well-equipped to provide guidance, leadership and support for the Hispanic community in our state and build on the foundation that Antonio has created.”

Iñiguez works as a correctional manager in the Southwest region of the Washington Department of Corrections, Office of Correctional Operations. He serves on the board of Cielo Project, a non-profit volunteer-based organization that serves the communities in Thurston, Mason, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties to empower the Hispanic community and underserved youth. Iñiguez is also a member of the Children’s Administration Advisory Committee, the Thurston County Community Network and the Carolyn/North Neighborhood Association.

“I am grateful that the governor has put his confidence in me to continue the great work of Antonio Ginatta,” Iñiguez said. “The Latino population continues to grow quickly in our state, so now more than ever, the work of the commission is important to educating the public on the culture, the needs and the role Latinos play in Washington’s state economy.”

Iñiguez is a first generation immigrant from Mexico. He received his bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Eastern Washington University and a master of public administration from City University.

Ginatta has served as the director for the Commission on Hispanic Affairs since 2002.

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