Former NHCC leader is chief of staff for Heinrich
Former National Hispanic Cultural Center Executive Director Rebecca L. Avitia is on the move.
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., announced that Avitia is serving as his new chief of staff in Washington, D.C.
The announcement was made on Nov. 1.
Avitia is a native New Mexican and will be one of three Hispanic chiefs of staff in the Senate.
“I am extraordinarily excited for the work ahead and to continue onward with this incredible team,” Avitia said. “I look forward to serving Sen. Heinrich and the people of New Mexico in my new role as we continue to do good for our state, our democracy, and our planet.”
She is transitioning from her role as Heinrich’s state director.
“Throughout her career, Rebecca has been a strong advocate and leader committed to improving the lives of those in her community. I’m proud to have her transition to our team in D.C. and am confident she will be a great asset to the work we do every day to create opportunity across New Mexico,” Heinrich said in a news release. “I want to thank my outgoing Chief of Staff Joe Britton for his service and wish him the best of luck. I know that he will continue to make a difference in the lives of everyone he meets.”
Avitia grew up in Albuquerque’s North Valley.
She is a graduate of Eldorado High School, Trinity University and Columbia University School of Law.
She was a practicing attorney in both New York and New Mexico and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law.