In a noteworthy development, Marvin Figueroa, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., has been appointed Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler, representing California.
Previously, Figueroa served as the Director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (IEA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where he provided key counsel to Secretary Xavier Becerra, focusing on strengthening intergovernmental relationships and advancing health and human services priorities. His responsibilities extended to overseeing regional offices that engaged with state and local governments and external partners.
Before his role at HHS, Figueroa held the position of Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources in the Commonwealth of Virginia, where he managed a consortium of 12 health and social services agencies. During the 2020 Virginia General Assembly legislative session, he played a pivotal role in advancing healthcare-related initiatives.
Figueroa’s professional journey also included service as a Senior Advisor to Senator Mark R. Warner in the United States Senate, where he provided expertise on healthcare issues.
With academic qualifications from Harvard and Vanderbilt University, Figueroa’s credentials are solid. He is an alumnus of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and the POSSE Foundation. His membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. as a Spring 2005 initiate of the Kappa Theta Chapter at Vanderbilt University reflects his commitment to leadership and community service.
“Congratulations to Marvin B. Figueroa on his latest appointment to serve as Chief of Staff for Senator Laphonza Butler of California, a distinguished position in his esteemed career,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). “As an alumnus of CHCI and one of a handful of Afro-Latinos on Capitol Hill, Marvin’s leadership in this latest role will serve as a bright beacon to all who aspire to achieve success.”
The context of Figueroa’s appointment is noteworthy. California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Senator Butler to succeed the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, making her the third Black female senator in U.S. history and California’s first openly LGBTQ senator.
Senator Butler expressed confidence in Figueroa’s capabilities, acknowledging his valuable experience in the Biden administration and with Senator Warner. She emphasized the significance of his role as Chief of Staff, stating, “Marvin Figueroa brings the know-how we need to hit the ground running in serving the people of California. His experience, from serving in the Biden administration to working for Senator Warner, will be essential. I am grateful to have him steering our team as Chief of Staff.”
Secretary Xavier Becerra of HHS commended Figueroa’s leadership and dedication to the department’s mission, saying, “Marvin B. Figueroa has devoted his entire professional career to public service and has worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. As Secretary, I have benefited from Marvin’s vision, compassion, and ability to execute. I am grateful for his leadership and commitment to HHS’ mission. We will sorely miss Marvin and wish him unbridled success in his work with Senator Butler.”
Marvin Figueroa’s new role as Chief of Staff is a testament to his dedication to public service and his growing influence in American politics, setting the stage for his significant impact in California’s political landscape.
