National Hispanic Cultural Center names Philip Baca as new Deputy Director

March 6th, 2024

Albuquerque, NM – The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) is thrilled to announce that Philip Baca will serve as the Center’s Deputy Director. 

“Philip has been a tremendous asset to the Center’s leadership team since he joined us last year, and we all appreciate his diligence and attention to detail,” said NHCC Executive Director Zack Quintero. “I’m thrilled to see him take on a new challenge at the Center as our team continues to grow!” 

“It is an honor to be chosen as the deputy director and to work alongside such a talented team,” Baca said. “I look forward to working with them to advance Hispanic culture in our community, the state of New Mexico, and throughout the nation.” 

A lifelong New Mexican, Philip Andrew Baca was born and raised in Santa Rosa. He attended high school and junior college at New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in Business. Baca transferred to New Mexico State University (NMSU) where he received Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Agricultural Economics. During his time at NMSU, he was a Research Specialist with the Range Improvement Task Force, researching finance options for the New Mexico Livestock Board.   

At the conclusion of his research, Baca became the Chief Financial Officer for the Livestock Board. After 6 years in that role, he returned to NMMI to teach and eventually became an Associate Professor of Business and the Associate Dean of Social Sciences. Last May, Philip joined NHCC as Finance Manager, overseeing a team that handles invoices in support of the Center’s programming. 

Baca was named the new Deputy Director of NHCC on Jan. 10, overseeing financial needs, infrastructure requests, and much more while working together with the Center’s leadership team.  

More about the National Hispanic Cultural Center The National Hispanic Cultural Center is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of Hispanic culture, arts, and humanities. The NHCC presents mission-related events throughout the year, some produced by its history, literary, performing, and visual arts programs, and others by partnering with external organizations. Events take place at its 20-plus-acre campus, which includes a plaza, an art museum, a historically designated building, a library, and a genealogy center. The NHCC is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and is further supported by the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation.