State and Local Officials Praise Appointment of Muñoz as Domestic Policy Director

On Tuesday, President Obama announced that he will appoint current Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Cecilia Muñoz as the new Director of the Domestic Policy Council. Several of the state and local officials and associations who have worked with Muñoz in her current role spoke out to applaud the decision.

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley:

“I commend President Obama on appointing Cecilia Muñoz as Director of the Domestic Policy Council.  In her role as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cecilia made it a priority to understand the challenges faced by governors and to support initiatives aimed at speeding up America’s jobs recovery.  Her hard work and commitment to working collaboratively with governors has reflected the President’s recognition of the critical role that states play in creating and implementing public policy to create jobs and move our states forward. I look forward to continuing to work with Cecilia in her new role.”

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick:

“Cecilia Muñoz is an excellent choice to lead the Domestic Policy Council. Cecilia understands that policy only matters at the point where it touches people, and her knowledge of our economy, health care, infrastructure and immigration systems will help President Obama continue his strong progress on the domestic front.”

Bluffton, Indiana Mayor and President of the National League of Cities Ted Ellis:

“President Obama has made an excellent choice in naming Cecilia Muñoz the head for the Domestic Policy Council.  The National League of Cities has experienced her knowledge, hard work and dedication first-hand during her leadership of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and we are certain that she will bring that same sense of dedication to her new position. We were pleased to work closely with Cecilia as she is someone who understands the nature of local government and its role in implementing domestic policy.  We are confident the work of the Domestic Policy Council will only be strengthened by Cecilia’s appointment.”    

Salt Lake City, Utah Mayor Ralph Becker:

"Under the leadership of Cecilia Muñoz, the President’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs has fundamentally redefined the relationship between Salt Lake City–and municipalities across the country–and the work of our Chief Executive.  Ms. Muñoz’ inclusive and collaborative approach to policy execution and problem solving is exemplary and we look forward to continued benefits as she brings her expertise to the new role of Director of Domestic Policy."

Mesa, Arizona Mayor Scott Smith:

“I am pleased to hear that the President has appointed Cecilia Muñoz as the new Director of the Domestic Policy Council.  I have enjoyed working with Cecilia in her capacity as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.  She has been a responsive and committed partner to America’s cities.”

Cincinnati, Ohio Mayor Mark Mallory:

“Cecilia Muñoz has done a fantastic job as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.  Because of her hard work and the hard work of her team, Cincinnati has been able to benefit from a close partnership with the White House.  I am glad to hear that such a strong advocate for cities will now serve as the Director of the Domestic Policy Council.”

Charleston, South Carolina Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr.:

“I most enthusiastically applaud President Obama’s selection of Cecilia Muñoz to be the Director of the Domestic Policy Council. Ms. Muñoz has rendered extraordinary service to President Obama and the citizens of our country as Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.  Ms. Muñoz has helped establish a most remarkable and beneficial connection between state and local government and President Obama and his administration.  Certainly the mayors of America and their cities have benefited greatly from Ms. Muñoz’s leadership and service.  She will bring this valuable experience to the Domestic Policy Council, and thereby be a most extraordinary asset for our President and our country.”

San Antonio, Texas Mayor Julián Castro:

"Having worked with Cecilia Muñoz in her capacity as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, I am confident she will excel in her new role as the Director of the Domestic Policy Council.  Cecilia has a background that represents the American Dream and the intellect to shepherd through successful policies to boost the American economy."

Avondale, Arizona Mayor Marie Lopez-Rogers:

“I commend President Obama on his excellent selection of Cecilia Muñoz to this important position within the Administration. Cecilia is highly respected among mayors and council members across the United States because of her willingness to listen and form solutions when it comes to key policy issues affecting our nation’s cities and towns. Having worked with her on numerous issues ranging from immigration to economic development, I know she will bring a fresh perspective and energetic purpose to this role, and help to strengthen and unify our local communities and this nation.”

Oakland, California Mayor Jean Quan:

“I would like to congratulate Cecilia Muñoz on becoming the White House Director of the Domestic Policy Council.  It has been a pleasure working with her as the Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.  She has been such a strong partner in the White House in addressing issues of public safety, economic development, immigration reform and health services for urban cities like Oakland.  I have great confidence in her ability to lead our country’s domestic policy agenda.”

New Orleans, Louisiana Mayor Mitch Landrieu:

“I am pleased by President Obama’s appointment of Cecilia Muñoz as the new Director of the Domestic Policy Council. We congratulate her on the new position and look forward to continuing our work with the Domestic Policy Council on important policy issues like creating jobs.”

National Governors Association Executive Director Dan Crippen:

“Since January 2009, NGA has worked closely with Cecilia Muñoz as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House. Her work with the states and her appreciation of the federal/state partnership will be instrumental in her new role at the Domestic Policy Council. We look forward to continuing our work with her in her new capacity.”  

National Conference of State Legislatures Executive Director William Pound:

“NCSL and the states have worked closely with Ms. Muñoz in her role as White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and we look forward to continuing to work with her in this new role. Cecilia is a true professional, and recognizes the importance of the partnership between the states and the federal government.”

U.S. Conference of Mayors Executive Director Tom Cochran:

“Since we met during the transition period of the Obama Administration, Cecilia Muñoz has been a strong supporter of mayors and their cities. As Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, her office has always been open, as we have worked on common goals with the Administration.  With the work that we have done together, and her knowledge of cities, the appointment of Cecilia Muñoz as Director of the Domestic Policy Council will lead to an even stronger emphasis on the priorities confronting mayors and American cities.”