NHMC is pleased to announce the election of Francisco X. Gutiérrez, of Arizona, as the new Chair of the Board, and the selection of Kathryn A. Sabbeth, from Chapel Hill, NC, as a new board member.
We salute former Chair of the Board, Fern Espino, who steps down after many years of dedicated service. Espino was elected Chair in 2007 after serving as First Vice Chair for many years. She guided the organization with a steady hand through an impressive period of growth, including the opening of NHMC’s successful Washington, D.C., office in 2008, and she oversaw the establishment of prominent programs and initiatives like the Latino Experts project. Her thoughtfulness, vision and fortitude will be greatly missed.
SEE: NHMC’s Board (www.nhmc.org)
Gutiérrez, an accomplished attorney who has practiced in Arizona since 1984, joined NHMC 30 years ago at its inception and quickly became a passionate voice on the board. Gutiérrez’ practice in Arizona has included personal injury and insurance litigation, as well as entertainment law. He has represented clients in the trial courts and before the Arizona Court of Appeals.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be elected as Chair of the Board of the NHMC,” Gutiérrez said. “Over many years I have seen the organization grow and evolve into a sophisticated civil rights organization that both the public and industry look to for leadership, advice and guidance. Civil rights have always been of paramount importance to me; in the context of the entertainment industry it is critical that young Latinos see themselves on the screen and on the Internet. We have an outstanding leader in Alex Nogales and an extremely talented staff. I look forward being a part of the many positive changes that the NHMC will create in the telecommunications and media industries.”
In addition to his work with NHMC, Gutiérrez is a founding board member and current Chair of the Board of Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center. He is an arts aficionado and has represented and advised artists, actors, models, musicians, directors and producers for more than 25 years. He is involved in politics in Arizona and, in his personal capacity, has advised many political candidates and office holders. Gutiérrez was appointed by Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt to serve on the state’s Board of Psychologist Examiners for nine years, including two years as Chair.
Sabbeth, a tenured associate professor of law at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, joined the board this summer bringing her expertise in public interest law, public law litigation and the justice system to the organization. She teaches in the UNC Civil Legal Assistance Clinic, which represents clients in employment, housing and other civil rights and economic justice litigation.]]>
