First foreign born (Mexican) sworn as 41st US Treasurer

A correction to AP note in Spanish.

Rosario Marín is the first Naturalized citizen to become U.S. Treasurer. But she is the second foreign-born person to become U.S. Treasurer. She shares that honor with Alexander Hamilton, the very first U.S. Treasurer, was born outside the colonies (the now U.S. territory).

--->>> English Press Release follows the article (scroll down to read it) <<<---

AP Agosto 16 de 2001.-Washington.- La mexicana Rosario Marín asumió el jueves el mando de la Tesorería de los Estados Unidos convirtiéndose en la primera tesorera nacida en el extranjero desde la creación del cargo hace 226 años.

Marín firmará los billetes estadounidenses, supervisará la emisión de bonos y controlará parte de la impresión de las estampillas postales, en una operación diaria de miles de millones de dólares.

"Yo creo que mi nombramiento refleja lo que los Estados Unidos es en este momento", dijo Marín a los reporteros. "Es un mensaje especial para todos los inmigrantes, particularmente los hispanos, de que este es un país de inmigrantes y de posibilidades".

La mexicana se convierte así en la cuarta tesorera de la nación con apellido hispano. La más reciente fue Catalina Vázquez Villalpando, de ascendencia puertorriqueña. nombrada en 1989 por el presidente George H. Bush, padre del actual presidente George W. Bush.

Marín, nativa de la colonia Puebla, de la capital mexicana, y residente en la zona sur de California, asumió el cargo en una ceremonia en el Departamento del Tesoro, presidida por el secretario Paul O'Neill.

"Es una mujer con un extraordinario antecedente en el servicio público", dijo O'Neill.

Marín, graduada de la Universidad del Estado de California en Los Angeles y el programa de administración de gobierno de Harvard, es la única de seis hermanos, todos mexicanos, que ha cursado estudios universitarios.

Sus padres, Mariano y Carmen Espinola, que eran trabajadores de una fábrica de etiquetas y sastre, respectivamente, al salir de México cuando ella tenía 14 años, estuvieron en la ceremonia.

Debido a que Eric sufre del síndrome de Down, Marín ha estado dedicada a las personas con discapacidades, recibiendo por ello una distinción de las Naciones Unidas en 1995.

TREASURY NEWS

FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2001
PO-558

ROSARIO MARIN SWORN IN AS 41^{st U.S. TREASURER}
^{WASHINGTON, DC - Rosario Marin was sworn in today as the
41st U.S. Treasurer by Treasury Secretary Paul H. O'Neill. She was confirmed
by the Senate on Aug. 3, 2001.
As Treasurer, the oldest office in the U.S. government,
Marin oversees matters relating to coinage, currency and the production of
other instruments issued by the United States. She reviews currency issues and
redemptions, as well as signs U.S. currency. She also oversees the U.S. Mint
and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and serves as the National Honorary
Director of the Savings Bonds Program.
"I am pleased to welcome Rosario Marin to this historic role
at the Treasury Department," said Secretary O'Neill. "With her long and
distinguished record of public service, she will be a valuable asset to the
Department and the Bush Administration."
Prior to joining the Administration, Marin served as mayor
and councilwoman of Huntington Park, CA. She concurrently worked for AT&T as
Public Relations Manager for the Hispanic Market in the Southern California
Region.
Marin previously served as Deputy Director of the Governor's
Office of Community Relations, in Los Angeles, CA, in the administration of
former California Governor Pete Wilson. She also previously served as
Assistant Deputy Director of the California State Department of Social
Services; as Chair of the California State Council on Developmental
Disabilities; and as Chief of Legislative Affairs for the California
Department of Developmental Services.
Marin is a graduate of California State University in Los
Angeles, and of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
Programs for Senior Executives in State and Local Government.}

Marin and her husband Alex have three children, Eric, Carmen and Alex.