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"Christine Hernandez brings an extensive, working-level knowledge of our department's most important issues, as well as a knowledge of the people and institutions in Region VI," said Secretary Shalala. "Her legislative experience and her talents in mobilizing communities make her an especially valuable member of the HHS team."

As director of the Southwest Policy Leaders Forum (SWPLF) at the Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA), a role she has held since January 1999, Hernandez worked with state legislators and community advocates in the southwestern United States to promote public policies that create healthy communities. Her work focused on providing leadership development, media training and assistance to help legislators and community leaders become more effective agents of change in their states.

Prior to joining the Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA), Hernandez served four terms in the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 124 in San Antonio. While in the legislature, she served on the Appropriations; Calendars; and Public Education committees.

Hernandez has devoted her time, energy and talents to advocating on behalf of children, youth and families. Prior to her election to the Texas legislature, she served as president of the San Antonio Federation of Teachers and later as an educational consultant with the Bexar County Texas Federation of Teachers. Her past civic activities include membership on the boards of the San Antonio-Mexico Foundation for Education, and the Initiative for Better Learning, and she has served on the board and numerous committees of the United Way. Before her political career began, Hernandez taught elementary school for 10 years and served on the San Antonio Board of Education for five years.

In 1999, Hernandez was honored by a coalition of more than 30 statewide organizations for her eight years of exemplary service in the legislature. For her many years of leadership and service to the community she was commissioned a "Yellow Rose of Texas" by the governor, presented with an Outstanding Leadership Award from the YWCA, and received the JCPenny Company's "Spirit of the American Woman Award for Achievement" in 1992.

Hernandez holds a bachelor's degree from Our Lady of the Lake College and a master's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

As an HHS regional director, Hernandez serves as a key representative of Secretary Shalala in working with federal, state, local and elected officials on a wide range of health and social service issues.

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