Museum of New Mexico Media Center Press Release

Lifelong New Mexican Zack Quintero brings trusted community ties and passion for Hispanic art and culture to new role as the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Interim Director

New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 03, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT

Albuquerque, NM – The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) is thrilled to welcome Zack Quintero as its new Interim Executive Director. Quintero, a proud New Mexican with deep ties to the state’s Hispanic communities, will work closely with NHCC Artistic Director Noël Bella Merriam and Deputy Director Alberto Cuessy in order to continue effectively delivering high-impact programs and services to the public. 

“I am truly humbled and motivated to be joining such a historic institution and remarkable team. What happens here at this Center comes from the very soul of our people in New Mexico,” Quintero said. “I grew up worshiping this place despite living 230 miles away from it. Together with our staff, I want to make sure this center is deeply rooted in promoting our local communities and culture, continuing strong relationships with our state partners, and standing nationally as the place for Hispanic leaders from all disciplines to call home.” 

Quintero is a lifelong New Mexican whose family is from Mesilla, Doña Ana, and La Mesa within Doña Ana County. He graduated from New Mexico State University’s William Conroy Honors College, holding two degrees in economics and one in government specializing in international relations. Quintero is also a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law where he served on the executive board of the New Mexico Law Review, the Mexican American Law Student Association, and the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association. 

In his professional life, Quintero has served in a variety of local, county, and state government positions, including for the state Medical Advisory Team, the Governor’s Office, and the City of Santa Fe’s Economic Development Office. Most recently, he worked as the Federal Ombudsman for the State of New Mexico, requiring him to travel statewide to rural and metro areas of the state. Quintero has maintained a strong connection with local and statewide Hispanic communities in Southern, Central, and Northern New Mexico having been actively involved with public policy, the arts, civil rights advocacy, and environment issues.  

Quintero’s ties to the National Hispanic Cultural Center run deep. His first experience at the National Hispanic Cultural Center was as a performer in the ballet folklorico ceremony that marked the opening of the Center in 2000. Since then, he has been a supporter of and frequent visitor to the NHCC, and has taken multiple classes on the Center’s 20-acre campus.  

“There is only one National Hispanic Cultural Center within the United States, and to have it based in New Mexico is an honor,” Quintero said. “I will never stop working for the people of our state and I will give everything I have to make us proud.” 

Quintero’s appointment was effective Monday, March 13. 

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