This week President Obama announced the appointment of Cecilia Muñoz as Director of the Domestic Policy Council at the White House. Ms. Muñoz, in her new role, will oversee policy-making on a range of domestic issues, including education, energy and health care. "Over the past three years, Cecilia has been a trusted adviser who has demonstrated sound judgment day in and day out," Mr. Obama said in a statement. "Cecilia 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."

She succeeds Melody Barnes who was a true champion for social innovation and the work of social entrepreneurs. During her tenure, Ms. Barnes relentlessly focused on showing how the government is doing business differently: finding solutions outside of Washington, DC; investing in innovations that can have a big impact and have the potential to grow; and partnering with the private, philanthropic and nonprofit sectors to address the toughest problems faced by the nation.

Ms. Muñoz brings deep experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors and we look forward to collaborating with her to support efforts that drive results to local challenges in education, youth development and the like. Ms. Muñoz most recently held the post of Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, serving as a liaison between the White House and mayors, governors, tribal leaders and other officials. Prior to this, she worked for the National Council of La Raza as Senior Vice President for the Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation. In this role, she led national initiatives in the area of immigration policy and immigration reform as well as civil rights.

“Cecilia brings a depth of experience working with communities, and she understands how strong national policy can deliver meaningful change at the local level,” said Marta Urquilla, 1995 Echoing Green Fellow and Senior Policy Advisor at the Domestic Policy Council. “Our team is thrilled to be working under Cecilia’s leadership as we continue to invest in what works and promote social innovation as a tool for addressing our most pressing national challenges.”

Ms. Muñoz is the daughter of Bolivian immigrants and is the first Latina to hold the position of head of the White House Domestic Policy Council. In 2000, she was named a MacArthur Fellow for her work.

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