Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 3, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Governor Locke appoints new executive director of Commission on Hispanic Affairs

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today announced the appointment of Manuel Romero as executive director of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

Romero has been chief executive officer of Centro de la Familia de Utah since 1993. It is the largest and oldest private, non-profit, social-services organization serving the Hispanic community of greater Salt Lake City.

"I'm looking forward to working with the commission and with Governor Locke, as I share many of his views," said Romero. "I see many of the issues confronting the Hispanic community in Washington state as similar to those across the nation, but the priorities will be distinct to Washington."

Romero has long been active in the Hispanic community. He is founder of the Utah Coalition of La Raza, which advocates with a united voice on behalf of a number of Hispanic organizations. Twenty years ago he helped found the University of Utah's Chicano Scholarship Committee, which has contributed more than 100 scholarships to Hispanic students.

"I think Mr. Romero will definitely provide new insight into what needs to be done to provide resources and information for the Hispanic community," said state Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney (D - 46th District).

"He's the best candidate for the job," said Frank Galvadon, chair of Centro Latino in Tacoma. "He is not only a capable administrator but also has a heartfelt understanding of the issues of the community.

"I've been through several of these recruitment processes," added Galvedon, "and this was by far the most inclusive. Governor Locke and his staff went above and beyond to keep the community in the loop. We had input. We had access. It was real collaboration."

Romero's experience includes serving as assistant director of the Salt Lake City Corporation, where he administered a five-year federal substance-abuse prevention demonstration grant in partnership with Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County and the University of Utah Health Education Department.

A New Mexico native, Romero has been an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico and an instructor at Northern New Mexico Community College. He has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Utah and master's degrees in political science from both the University of New Mexico and the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico in Mexico City.

"I am impressed with Manuel's ability to balance forceful advocacy with being a productive team player," said Kathy Baros Friedt, assistant commissioner of the Washington State Employment Security Department.

"Washington state has made a heck of a good choice in Manuel Romero," said Richard Velez, president of the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Whenever we're in a spot, we seek out his advice, and he is always there for us."

Romero begins the job Sept. 4 and will earn an annual salary of $49,517. He serves at the pleasure of the governor.

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