National Council of La Raza President and CEO Janet Murguía Joins Achieve Board

Achieve announced today that Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR (National Council of La Raza), has joined its board of directors.

By joining the board, she will help to guide Achieve’s work to lead and support state efforts to improve systems of standards, assessment, accountability, and graduation requirements so that all students are prepared for postsecondary education, work, and citizenship.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Janet Murguía to the Achieve board,” said Achieve President Michael Cohen. “The commitment to equity that she has demonstrated throughout her distinguished career will be a critical asset to Achieve as we work to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education that will prepare them for success.”

“Janet brings an important perspective to the Achieve leadership team,” said Mark Grier, Vice Chairman of Prudential Financial and Chair of the Achieve board. “She has served in critical advocacy and legislative roles and is a strong advocate in the Latino community. We look forward to her leadership and expertise as we advance Achieve’s mission of college and career readiness for all.”

Since January 1, 2005, Murguía has served as the President and CEO of NCLR, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S. Murguía began her career in Washington, D.C. as legislative counsel to former Kansas Congressman Jim Slattery, serving for seven years. She then worked at the White House from 1994 to 2000, ultimately serving as deputy assistant to President Clinton, providing strategic and legislative advice to the president on key issues. She served as deputy director of legislative affairs, managing the legislative staff and acting as a senior White House liaison to Congress. She then served as deputy campaign manager and director of constituency outreach for the Gore/Lieberman presidential campaign.

In 2001, Murguía joined the University of Kansas (KU) as Executive Vice Chancellor for University Relations, overseeing KU’s internal and external relations with the public, including governmental and public affairs. She coordinated the university's strategic planning and marketing efforts at the four KU campuses with those of the Alumni Association, the Athletics Corporation, and the Endowment Association. She received three degrees from KU: a B.S. degree in journalism (1982), a B.A. degree in Spanish (1982), and a J.D. degree (1985) from the School of Law.

MEDIA CONTACT: Chad Colby (202) 419-1570, ccolby@achieve.org

Kelly Van Beveren (202) 745-2306, kvanbeveren@achieve.org