President Trump has nominated Jovita Carranza for U.S. Treasurer, making her possibly the 7th Latina to hold that position since the Nixon administration. Once confirmed, Carranza’s signature would be on American’s paper money and she would oversee the U.S. Mint, Bureau of Engraving and Fort Knox, and serve as a liaison to the Federal Reserve.
“She’ll be a spokesperson for the administration, especially on issues involving the Treasury, tax reform and other issues that affect our economy,” said Hector Barreto, who headed the Small Business Administration under George W. Bush. Barreto now heads the Latino Coalition, a business group. “It’s a great opportunity for her to get back in government and she is someone who backed (Trump’s) campaign.”
Carranza will be the fourth Latina in a row to fill the position, and the seventh Latina overall to take on the role. Her predecessors include: Romana Acosta Bañuelos, a Nixon appointee; Katherine Davalos Ortega, appointed by Ronald Reagan and then by George H.W. Bush; Catalina Vasquez Villalpando, George H.W. Bush appointee; Rosario Marin, George W. Bush; Anna Escobedo Cabral, George W. Bush and Rosie Rios, appointed by Obama.
Serving as a deputy administrator at the Small Business Administration under former President George W. Bush, she was also the highest ranking Latina in the history of the United Parcel Service when served as its vice president of air operations for Latin America and the Caribbean. U.S. Treasurer is not a Cabinet position, however, Trump’s lone Latino cabinet pick, Alex Acosta, was confirmed last week by the Senate.
Former President Bush hired hundreds of Latinos in key staff and White House positions; the Trump administration lags behind in its appointments. Latinos have not been selected for the administration’s most prominent positions, however, there is potential for more Latinos in sub-cabinet level positions.
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