Arts Organizations in Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso Announce Promotions and New Hires

The Meadows Museum at the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) in San Antonio, and the El Paso Museum of Art have announced staff promotions and new hires.

Dr. Patricia Manzano Rodríguez. Photo: Dr. Elisabetta Maistri

Last week, the Meadows Museum announced the appointment of Dr. Patricia Manzano Rodríguez to the role of Curator. Ms. Manzano Rodríguez has served as the museum’s Mellon Curatorial Fellow since 2023, a position that was intended to run through 2025. The curatorial position that she now holds has been vacant since 2023, when Dr. Amanda W. Dotseth was promoted to Director of the museum. 

In a press release, Ms. Dotseth stated, “[Ms. Manzano Rodríguez] brings to the post an impressive international scholarly track record and a passion for Spanish art with a specialty in early-modern painting. We know from her time as Mellon Curatorial Fellow that she brings with her a strong curatorial eye. We look forward to seeing her expand her efforts to research the Meadows permanent collection and acquisitions, organize and present exhibitions, and develop partnerships with colleagues and institutions in the U.S., Spain, and beyond.”

Cat Rodríguez, April Orci, Mario Mena, and Misael Alvarado

Earlier this month NALAC announced the appointment of four new staff members: Cat Rodríguez as Director of Programs, April Orci as Senior Technology Manager, Mario Mena as Director of Human Resources, and Misael Alvarado as Director of Development. These organizational changes have been a part of the new direction shaped by Interim CEO and President F. Javier Torres-Campos.

In a press release, Mr. Torres-Campos remarked, “[Cat, April, Mario, and Misael] each bring with them a wealth of experience and talent, along with a passion and commitment to serving Latiné communities, which directly aligns with NALAC’s mission and values. With the expansion of our team, we are increasing our capacity and deepening our dedication to meeting the needs of our communities.”

Ms. Rodríguez is a performer, director, and translator, who participated in NALAC’s Leadership Institute in 2014. Ms. Orci has held positions in the technology industry as a radio operator, a broadcast and IT engineer, and a multimedia producer. Mr. Mena has over five years of experience in Human Resources and most recently served as the Director of Human Resources at Fr8App, an international shipping service. Mr. Alvarado has over ten years of experience, most recently he worked at NALEO Educational Fund, a nonprofit that works to increase Latinx participation in politics and civic life. 

Claudia S. Preza

Additionally, at the beginning of July, the El Paso Museum of Art (EPMA) promoted Assistant Curator Claudia Preza to Development Manager. Ms. Preza has served in the curatorial department since 2021. 

EPMA Director Edward Hayes told Glasstire, “After an extensive search, Claudia stood out among the rest to best move EPMA’s mission forward through our development efforts. Claudia brings a deep understanding of our community outreach, curatorial, and museum education work, complemented by a keen sense of municipal processes and budget management.”