Christie Appoints New Members to Hispanic Advisory Committee

Gov. Chris Christie this week approved appointments to the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development’s (CHPRD) Advisory Committee, this week.

Created in 1975, CHPRD and its advisory committee empower the state's Hispanic community and serve as a state government resource on Hispanic affairs. 

CHPRD has sought to increase public-private investment for community based organizations, administer an annual grant program and facilitate professional and leadership development for college students through its  internship and fellowship program.

In addition to the Advisory Committee appointments, the Governor’s office also announced the selection of Abraham Lopez (Jersey City) and Mariella Morales (Elizabeth) as the Center’s executive director and deputy director, respectively. Lopez previously served in the Governor’s office of Intergovernmental Affairs as director of Hispanic and faith-based affairs and Morales was in the Governor’s office of appointments as director of outreach.

“As our state's largest and fastest growing ethnic group, the Hispanic community is critically important to New Jersey’s continued success as a state and I value the work the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development does," Christie said. "For more than three decades, they have helped hundreds of students and thousands of families realize their very own American dream. As we move forward, I’m proud that my administration is working hard to elevate the role the center plays in the Garden State and these individuals will help in guiding the future of the Center."

“Abraham Lopez has been a tireless advocate for New Jersey’s Hispanic community and I am pleased he has agreed to take on this new role in the administration.  I have complete faith in his ability and I know he will ensure the Center is a national model and continues to have a strong, positive impact on the lives of the thousands of New Jerseyans it serves through its work,” Christie said.

The new appointees to the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development’s Advisory Committee include retired Professor Roland Alum (West New York); New Jersey Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey Member Anira Sanchez Clericuzio, Esq. (Cranford); Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus Equity Partner Daniel R. Guadalupe, Esq. (Plainsboro);  Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Founding President and CEO Dr. Daniel H. Jara (Hackensack);  New Jersey City University Council for Hispanic Affairs Member Kathy G. Monteiro (Westfield); Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Mirtha Ospina, Esq. (Hoboken); Former Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration Regional Director Soraya Rodriguez-Balzac (Andover); Kean University Academic Advisor and Adjunct Professor Elis Sosa (Jersey City); and Puerto Rican Congress of New Jersey President and CEO Lydia J. Valencia (Lakewood).

 These two-year direct appointments do not require Senate confirmation and each member will serve without compensation.

The new leadership and the Advisory Committee will refocus the center’s work in the four program areas: Hispanic entrepreneurship, citizenship and integration direct services, workforce development and the continued support of innovative initiatives that provide services throughout the state. 

At the heart of these changes is an effort for the state to work more collaboratively in service delivery. The administration also seeks to provide increased long lasting public value to the Hispanic community.