FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, Dec. 14, 1998
Contact: Michael Kharfen, (202) 401-9215
Patricia T. Montoya Appointed Commissioner for Children, Youth, and Families
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today announced the appointment of Patricia T. Montoya as Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) in the HHS Administration for Children and Families. Ms. Montoya was sworn in by Vice President Gore at the White House today.
"Ms. Montoya is a health care professional who has worked directly with children and families in the community," said Secretary Shalala. "With her experience, Ms. Montoya brings to HHS a unique understanding and valuable perspective of what children and families need and the daily challenges they face."
ACYF oversees the implementation of federal programs that assist vulnerable children and youth. It administers programs related to child development, adoption, early childhood education, child welfare, child care, and youth development. ACYF provides more than $12 billion in federal funds and technical assistance to states and local communities for programs such as Head Start, foster care assistance, child abuse prevention, and runaway and homeless youth.
Ms. Montoya, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a registered nurse with extensive experience in children's health, social services, and family needs. She served as the regional director of the HHS office in Dallas since 1994, where she oversaw operations in five states. From 1993-1994, she served as practice manager of Presbyterian Family Healthcare, a primary care/urgent care center in Albuquerque. From 1989-1993, Ms. Montoya was the executive director of New Mexico Health Resources, a non-profit organization that recruits health care professionals to work in the rural areas of the state. She served as the assistant director of the American Nurses Association in Washington, D.C. from 1987-1989. She has worked as a nurse in many capacities, including as a school nurse for the Albuquerque Public Schools and as a staff nurse in the emergency department of Kaseman Presbyterian Hospital. She has served on the New Mexico Governor's Task Force on Nursing, the New Mexico Board of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the White House Health Professional Review Group on Health Care Reform. In addition, she is a former member of the board of directors of Family/Child Services of Washington, D.C.
"Ms. Montoya has a passion in caring for children, especially those who are most vulnerable and whose families have few or no resources," said Olivia A. Golden, HHS assistant secretary for children and families. "She is a dedicated advocate for those who are unable to speak out for themselves."
Ms. Montoya received a B.S. degree in Nursing and an M.A. degree in Public Administration/Health Administration from the University of New Mexico. She is married to Alfred Padilla.
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