The Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs (BHCC) recently concluded its 9th Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference marked the capstone event for the year and provided the venue for Latino state legislative leaders from around the country to convene to discuss critical policy and social issues facing the nation.
The three-day event consisted of an array of policy workshops, education sessions and organizational business. The conference also hosted the 4th Annual Latina State Legislative Caucus (LSLC) Summit on the first day of the event.
The event was hosted by Arizona State Representative and Senator-elect Martin Quezada who served as the 2014 BHCC Conference Chair. During the conference, the BHCC members elected new executive leadership to serve for the 2015-2016 biennium.
The new BHCC executive board is comprised of: Florida State Senator Rene Garcia (R-Hialeah) as the incoming BHCC Chair; New Jersey State Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Elizabeth) will serve as the BHCC Vice Chair; Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Sanchez (D-Jamaica Plain) has assumed the role of BHCC Secretary; Arizona State Senator Martin Quezada (D-Avondale) will serve as the BHCC Treasurer; and Colorado State Representative Crisanta Duran (D-Denver) will serve as BHCC Parliamentarian. The new board will serve as the official legislative leadership for the organization and will preside over the organization in this capacity for the next two years.
“It’s a sincere honor to have the opportunity to lead this prestigious organization,” said newly elected BHCC Chair, Florida State Senator Rene Garcia “As the foremost national organization for Hispanic state legislative leaders and the umbrella network for all the U.S. state Hispanic legislative caucuses, it is an immense privilege to serve as the newest chair of the BHCC. I look forward to working with the rest of the executive board and staff to continue to strengthen the organization and further its mission.”
“To receive the backing of my peers who hold many inspiring positions across the country is a truly great honor,” said newly elected BHCC Vice Chair, New Jersey State Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. “At a time when there are so many issues of importance to Hispanics pending before our elected leaders on both the state and national stage, it’s our duty to make sure our voices are heard in a resounding and constructive manner. I look forward to working with our new chair and everyone within BHCC to do just that.”
These members are replacing outgoing board members: Illinois State Representative Maria Antonia Berrios (D-Chicago), immediate past BHCC Chair; New York State Senator Martin Dilan (D-Brooklyn), former BHCC Vice Chair; and Nevada State Assemblywoman Lucy Flores (D-Las Vegas), outgoing BHCC Secretary. The organization benefitted greatly from these members intrepid leadership and they will remain members and ambassadors of the organization moving forward.
The BHCC members, staff and supporters are excited for the organization’s newest leadership and look forward to the new board leading the organization for the next biennium. The perpetual growth and expanded reach of the organization will be a key theme as the newest leaders assume their positions and the organization continues to pursue positive effects in the Latino community and supports the development of Latino state legislative leaders across the country.
* About the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs:
The Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs (BHCC) is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization comprised of the current chairs and vice chairs of all state Hispanic caucuses, as well as the Hispanic legislators who serve as the chairs of their respective state legislative committees and or other state legislative leadership positions. The BHCC strives to provide a medium for Hispanic leaders to engage in substantive dialogue, as well as address pressing issues in the Hispanic community and the nation as a whole. If you would like to learn more about the BHCC please visit our website at www.bohcc.com or contact Gabriel Sepulveda at (512) 275-1905, Gabriel@bohcc.com.