On March 13, the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) appointed Zack Quintero as its new interim executive director. 

He replaced Margie Huerta, the former executive director who was let go by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs in January. She had been put on leave in December 2022 after being in her role for a year. 

Quintero said of his appointment, “I am truly humbled and motivated to be joining such a historic institution and remarkable team. What happens here at this Center comes from the very soul of our people in New Mexico.”

He continued, “I grew up worshiping this place despite living 230 miles away from it. Together with our staff, I want to make sure this center is deeply rooted in promoting our local communities and culture, continuing strong relationships with our state partners, and standing nationally as the place for Hispanic leaders from all disciplines to call home."

Quintero graduated from New Mexico State University with degrees in economics and government with a specialization in international relations. He also graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law. 

During law school, he served on the New Mexico Law Review. He also served on the executive board of the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association and the Mexican American Law Student Association. 

After law school, he worked at the Governor's Office. There, Quintero served on the Medical Advisory Team (MAT) during part of the pandemic. After leaving MAT, he became the Federal Ombudsman for the State of New Mexico. 

He ran for the Albuquerque City Council in 2019 and State Auditor in 2022, respectively, being unsuccessful in both runs. 

Quintero told the Albuquerque Journal that he is a frequent visitor of the center and even performed at its opening in 2000.
"There is only one National Hispanic Cultural Center within the United States, and to have it based in New Mexico is an honor. I will never stop working for the people of our state and I will give everything I have to make us proud," said Quintero.