OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 28, 1987 CONTACT: REGGIE BASHUR W 512/463-1826 H 512/499-8387 GOVERNOR CLEMENTS NAMES DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HISPANIC AND LATIN AMERICAN AFFAIRS AUSTIN, TEXAS -- Governor Bill Clements has announced the appointment of Joe Madrigal Jr. as Director of Hispanic and Latin American Affairs for the Clements administration. Madrigal will serve as the governor's liaison between the administration and the state's Hispanics, and play an important role in strengthening Texas' ties to Mexico. The governor also has appointed Cynthia Ramirez, 39, as Assistant Director of Hispanic and Latin American Affairs. "Joe Madrigal and Cynthia Ramirez fully understand the importance of enhancing our relations with Mexico," Clements said. "They also realize the importance of assuring Texas Hispanics a conduit to my office. We are proud Joe and Cynthia have agreed to come on board." Madrigal, 38, most recently was associated with Avante International, where, as director, he supervised the Dallas-based firm's work in serving minority businesses in financial consultation. He left the firm in August 1986 to join the Clements Campaign as Deputy Director of Voter Groups. Madrigal is a 1972 graduate of Stephen F. Austin University, where he received a degree in science and education. He is a native of Mineral Wells. Ramirez also worked on the Clements Campaign, assisting Madrigal with voter groups. Before she joined the Clements staff, Ramirez worked in the public relations division at Zapata National Bank. A native of Zapata, Ramirez is a graduate of Metropolitan Business College in Galveston. Both joined the administration January 20. -- 30 --