Governor Phil Murphy and Secretary of State Tahesha Way today announced the hiring of Marelyn Rivera serving as Executive Director of the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy Research and Development (CHPRD). Marelyn had previously served as Director of Communications and Outreach for the Department of Environmental Protection, and was Governor Murphy’s Aide and liaison for Latino Outreach for most of his first term.

“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Rivera to the Department of State,” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “For quite some time, she has been an advocate for Hispanic communities in New Jersey, and we are delighted to have her lead the Center for Hispanic Policy Research and Development.”

“I feel extremely proud and honored to have been selected as the next Executive Director for the CHPRD and would like express my appreciation to Governor Murphy and Secretary Way for their decision,” said Marelyn Rivera, Executive Director of the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development. “The CHPRD plays a vital role in the Hispanic communities throughout the Garden State, and as a first-generation American, I take much pride in the work that Murphy Administration has done and will continue to do.”

“Latinos account for the largest minority group in the United States and are the second-fastest growing group in the nation,” Rivera added. “New Jersey prides in our diversity and has acknowledged the importance of our communities by deepening the work and relationships with our Latino communities. I look forward to continuing the foster relationships, expanding the awareness of the needs of our communities, and helping make New Jersey a fairer and stronger – for all Latinos.”

“Service to diverse communities is a way of life for Marelyn Rivera. For more than a decade, in a variety of government and private sector roles, Marelyn has worked tirelessly to make government responsive to those it serves. She will bring a rare combination of experience and youthful energy to her new role as Executive Director of the Center. These new responsibilities will place her at the forefront of providing important social services to those in need, particularly in the Latino community, across New Jersey. Her energy, passion and thoughtfulness will take the Center in exciting new directions. I am thrilled to see her vision for the future,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, CHPRD Advisory Committee Member.

The CHPRD seeks to empower and provide financial support and technical assistance to primarily Hispanic community-based organizations throughout New Jersey and also ensures the executive and legislative branches are informed of initiatives with potential impact on the Hispanic community. CHPRD seeks to aggressively promote a new model of community development that is focused on making real impacts in people’s lives while helping community-based organizations achieve greater self-sufficiency.