Janet Murguia has emerged as a key figure among the next generation of leaders in the Latino community. In March 2004, she became the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NCLR, and on January 1, 2005 she succeeded Raul Yzaguirre as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Prior to joining NCLR, Janet Murguia was the Executive Vice Chancellor for University Relations at the University of Kansas (KU), overseeing the university's internal and external relations with the public, including governmental and public affairs. Murguia coordinated the university's strategic planning and marketing efforts at the four KU campuses with those of the Alumni Association, the Athletics Corporation, and the Endowment Association.

Murguia began her career in Washington, D.C. as legislative counsel to former Kansas Congressman Jim Slattery, serving for seven years. She then worked at the White House in various capacities from 1994 to 2000, ultimately serving as deputy assistant to President Clinton and deputy director of legislative affairs, serving as a senior White House liaison to Congress. Murguia provided strategic and legislative advice to the president on key issues and managed the legislative staff.

Prior to joining KU in 2001, Murguia served as deputy campaign manager and director of constituency outreach for the Gore/Lieberman presidential campaign. In that role, she was the primary liaison between former Vice President Gore and national constituency groups. She also served as a spokesperson for the campaign, working with radio, print, and TV media outlets.

Murguia has served on the National Council of La Raza's Board of Directors and on the Kauffman Foundation Youth Development Board. She is currently a Board member of the Independent Sector, a coalition of leading nonprofits, foundations, and corporations committed to connecting, informing, and advocating on behalf of the nonprofit and philanthropic community. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for YouthFriends, a nationally recognized school-based mentoring effort.

Recently, Hispanic Business magazine named Murguia as a finalist for its 2005 "Woman of the Year Award." In 2004, Hispanic magazine chose her for its annual list of "100 Top Latinas" and Hispanic Business magazine selected her as one of the "100 Most Influential Hispanics."

Murguia grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. She received three degrees from KU: a B.S. degree in journalism (1982), a B.A. degree in Spanish (1982), and a J.D. degree (1985) from the School of Law.