WASHINGTON D.C. (HINA Wire)- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) has named Synthia R. Jaramillo, former Director of Economic Development for the City of Albuquerque, as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations.

    “The USHCC is proud to announce Synthia Jaramillo’s position with us and we know she will take our stakeholder engagement and corporate relationships to new heights. We are looking forward to her joining our growing team of professionals committed to adding value and advocating for our members,” said Ramiro A. Cavazos, President & CEO, USHCC.

   Synthia Jaramillo was not only the first woman but also the first Latina to hold the position of Director of Economic Development for the City of Albuquerque. Appointed by Mayor Timothy Keller in 2017, she oversaw the recruitment and retention of companies, the International Trade Office, Small Business Office, Film Office, the local tourism industry, and the new Albuquerque Minority Business Development Center.

   “We want to thank Director Jaramillo for her service to the City for nearly four years, and for all the City of Albuquerque’s Economic Development team has accomplished under her leadership,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “As the first woman and first Latina director of this department in the city’s history, she has made a significant impact on our community and we look forward to watching the great work she will do in her new role with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.”

   During her tenure with the City of Albuquerque, she led several initiatives to sustain and grow existing local businesses, create jobs, and recruit outside companies. Under her leadership, numerous nationally-recognized companies, including film giants Netflix Studios and NBCUniversal, have chosen to invest in the city. Most recently, Synthia led a collaborative effort among local and state entities to secure Albuquerque as California-based Netflix’s city of choice for an expanded production hub.

   Before taking the helm of Albuquerque’s Economic Development Department, Ms. Jaramillo spent nearly two decades at the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, the organization grew into the largest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the country. She is an accomplished fundraiser, having raised millions of dollars throughout her career to benefit causes that support the local business community.

   “I am humbled by this opportunity and look forward to working with the talented staff, partners and chambers who tirelessly foster Hispanic business development,” said Ms. Jaramillo. “The USHCC is moving ahead stronger than ever. I’m excited to join Ramiro and his outstanding mission-driven team in giving voice to America’s Hispanic businesses.”

   Ms. Jaramillo is a nationally-recognized thought leader on fundraising, small business growth, community empowerment, and entrepreneurship, with particular emphasis on professional development growth for women, especially women of color.

  Ms. Jaramillo will be relocating to Washington D.C.