President & CEO

Ms. Amanda Aguirre, M.A., R.D.
President & CEO

Biography

Former Arizona State Senator Amanda Aguirre presently serves in the capacity of President & CEO of the Regional Center for Border Health, Inc. since 1991 and its subsidiary San Luis Walk-In Clinic, Inc., a primary care rural health medical center. Ms. Aguirre has been involved for more than 35 years in health care and business administration. 
 
In 2007 she established a licensed post –secondary vocational training center in the area, the RCBH’s “College of Health Careers”, which has generated job opportunities for over 1,800 individuals. Ms. Aguirre has built these corporations that have become multi-million dollars corporations providing employment for 247 employees in a slow recovering economy.
 
In 2003 Ms. Aguirre became the first female and first Hispanic to represent District 24 (new legislative district 4) in the Arizona House of Representatives and in the Arizona State Senate (in 2006) where she served in the Arizona State Senate through 2010.
 
During her time in office, Senator Aguirre has had great success in passing key bi-partisan legislation.  In 2008   Senator Aguirre sponsored SB1263 Autism Spectrum Disorder “Steven’s Law,” which requires private medical insurance companies to provide Autism intervention service coverage under their insurance plan benefits.  Other past successful legislation includes: the creation of a “Breast Cancer Awareness” special license plate (HB2526) with proceeds benefitting cancer screening for uninsured women; securing $1 Million dollars to fund the state diabetes prevention and awareness campaign; establishing liability protection guidelines for volunteer citizens performing emergency medical assistance during a state of emergency 
(HB 2599) and many other legislations that have had a positive impact in the State of Arizona.
 
In 2016 she became an ASU Morrison Institute’s Distinguished Fellow. This title and role was created in 2012 by the institute as a way to utilize the institutional knowledge and innovated thinking of Arizona leaders.
 
Ms. Aguirre is the proud mother of two successful young adults, her daughter Lucy is a MIT graduate Master’s Degree Program, School of Chemistry (Organic Chemistry), Boston, MA. Lucy works for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Washington, D.C. as an Organic Chemistry Patent Agent Examiner. 
 
Her son Major A. Aguirre graduated from the U.S.A.  Air Force Academy (2005) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Major Aguirre is presently the USAF Europe-Africa Recovery Personnel Cell Chief.  He served as member of the 33rd RQS Weapons and Tactics Officer, USA Air Force and a HH-60G “Pave Hawk” helicopter pilot.  Major Aguirre Jr. completed 5 deployments (Iraq and Afghanistan). In June 2012, he was awarded the U.S. Air Force “Distinguished Flying Cross” for his heroic action in Operation Freedom in Iraq.
 
 

Education

M. A. Food and Nutrition
California State University
Los Angeles, CA
September 1977 to August 1981
 
M.S. Food Science
Department of Agriculture, University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
September 1976 to August 1977
(Transferred to California State University, Los Angeles, CA)
 
B.S. Chemistry Degree
Facultad de Química, Universidad de Sonora
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
September 1969 to December 1974
 
 

Arizona 49th Legislature Committees

  • Appropiations
  • Healthcare and Medical Liability Reform
  • Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Public Debt
  • Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Criminal Justice
  • Homeland Security Senior Advisory Committee.
  • Joint Legislative Budget Committee
  • Joint Committee on Capital Review
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force, Chair
  • Advisory Board of Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records

Arizona 48th Legislature Committees

  • Health and Medical Reform Committee (Ranking Democrat)
  • Transportation Committee
  • Appropriation (P) Committees
  • Ad Hoc Committee on Energy and Renewable Sources
  • Joint Legislature Statewide Health Care task Force
  • Joint Legislature Committee on Children’s Caucus
  • Joint Legislature Budget Committee
  • Joint Legislature Committee on Capital Review
  • Joint Legislature Ad Hoc Committee on Towing
  • Member of the Arizona Homeland Security Senior Advisory Council
  • Member of the Arizona Legislator’s Hispanic Caucus
  • Joint Legislative Budget Committee
  • Joint Committee on Capital Review
  • Health Committee
  • Appropriations Committee
  • Natural Resources & Rural Affairs

Arizona 47th Legislature Committees

  • Health Committee, Arizona House of Representatives
  • Transportation Committee, Arizona House of Representatives
  • Federal, Mandates & Property Rights Committee
  • Appropriation (P) Committee, Arizona House of Representatives
  • Ad Hoc Committee on Energy and Renewable Sources
  • Ad Hoc Committee on Cervical Cancer
  • Joint Legislature Statewide Health Care Task Force
  • Joint Legislature Committee on Children's Caucus
  • Joint Legislature Committee on Capital Review
  • Joint Legislature Ad Hoc Committee on Towing
  • Joint Legislative Committee on Homeland Security
  • Member of the Arizona Legislator’s Hispanic Caucus
  • Joint Legislative Review Committee on Game and Fish Fees
  • Joint Legislative Rural Physicians Study Committee
  • Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Study Committee on Retire Health Care Benefits
  • Ad Hoc Committee on County Levy and Expenditure Limits
  • Ad Hoc Committee on Small School District Funding

 

Arizona 46th Legislature Committees

  • Federal, Mandates & Property Rights Committee, Arizona House of Representatives
  • Federal, Mandates & Property Rights Committee, Arizona House of Representatives
  • Health Committee
  • Transportation Committee, Arizona House of Representatives (Ranking Democratic)
  • Rules Committee, Arizona House of Representatives
  • Joint Legislature Children Caucus on January 2004
  • Joint Legislature Review Committee on Game and Fish Fees
  • Joint Legislature Rural Physician Study Committee
  • Joint Legislature Ad Hoc Study Committee on Retiree Healthcare Benefits
  • Joint Legislature Statewide Healthcare Task Force
  • Ad Hoc Committee on County Levy and Expenditure Limits, Arizona House of Representatives
  • Ad Hoc Committee on Small School District Funding, Arizona House of Representatives
  • Member of the Arizona Governors Homeland Security Council
  • Member of the Arizona Legislator’s Children Caucus
  • Member of the Arizona Legislator’s Hispanic Caucus
  • Member of the Arizona Rural Legislator’s Caucus

 

Professional Experience

Regional Center for Border Health, Inc.
Somerton, AZ
Position: President & CEO
Period: October 1991 to Present
 
Arizona State Legislature
Period: 2007-2010
Arizona State Senate 2006-2010, Ms. Aguirre was elected to the Arizona State Senate for District # 24, 48th and 49th Arizona State Legislature. 
 
Arizona House of Representatives
Period: 2003-2006
Ms. Amanda Aguirre became the first Hispanic and female elected to the Arizona House of Representatives for District # 24, 46th and 47th Arizona State Legislature. Ms. Aguirre became the first Hispanic and female representing District # 24 (Yuma and La Paz Counties) in the State House of Representatives on February 2003, when the Yuma County Board of Supervisors appointed her to the 46th Arizona State Legislature.
 
Arizona Western College
Yuma, AZ
Position: Director of College Services for South Yuma County
Period: July 21, 1995 to October 1, 2001
 
Yuma County Department of Public Health
Yuma, AZ
Position: Yuma County Public Health Nutritionist
Period: December 1987 to October 1991
 
Public Health Foundation-Women, Infant and Children Program (WIC)
Los Angeles, CA
Position: Clinic Supervisor-Nutritionist I
Period: July 1984 to December 1987
 
South Central Regional Center for Developmental Disabilities, Perinatal Education Resource and Intervention Program (PERI)
Los Angeles, CA
Position: Program Nutritionist
Period: September 1985 to March 1986
 
Children Hospital of Los Angeles, Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities, University Affiliated Program (UAP)
Los Angeles, CA
Position: Nutrition Trainee (student internship)
Period: September 1980 to August 1981
 
California State University, Minority Biomedical Research Program
Los Angeles, CA
Position: Lab Researcher
Period: 1978-1981
Project: Effect of Oral Contraceptive use on Pantothenic acid urine excretion among Caucasians, Orientals and Blacks
 
Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT)
Mexico City, Mexico
Position: Program Coordinator
 
Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de la Universidad de Sonora
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Position: Lab Assistant/Researcher
Period: August 1973 to December 1974
Project: Determination of pesticides using Gas Chromatography
 
 

Member of

  • In January 2019, Ms. Aguirre was elected to join the Children's Action Alliance Board of Directors (term expires December 2019)
  • In 2018, Ms. Aguirre was invited to join the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Advisory Committee by the University of Arizona
  • In January 2018, she was selected as a member for the Advisory Board of the 4th Annual Telemedicine & Telehealth Service Provider Summit (SPS 2018) Program Committee
  • In December 2017 became member of the NAU Advisory Committee for the Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative (SHERC)
  • In April 2017 became member for the Strathmore's Who's Who, Registry & Global Network for Outstanding Professionals
  • In October 2016 Ms. Aguirre became an ASU Morrison Institute’s Distinguished Fellow
  • Appointed as a Member to the Selection Committee to Nominate Special Judicial Officers for the Superior Court in Yuma County by Honorable Maria Elena Cruz, Presiding Judge (July 2016) Term Expires June 30, 2019
  • In February 2016 Ms. Aguirre joined the Citizens’ Initiative Review (CIR) Advisory Board by Morison Institute, Arizona State University
  • In November 2015 Ms. Aguirre was invited to join the Coalition of the United for Yuma anti-meth Education and Proactive Campaign, City of Yuma NAU Social Work Honorary Advisory Board member (2014-present)
  • In May 2015, Ms. Aguirre joined the National Public Health Services and Systems Research Technical Advisory Committee, Practice-Based Research Networks- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
  • Arizona Alliance of Healthy Communities Steering Committee (2015)
  • In 2014, Ms. Aguirre is a member of the Yuma County Arizona Healthiest County in America Steering Committee
  • In August 2014 Ms. Aguirre became the President for the Arizona Rural Health Association
  • Arizona Rural Health Association Board (Advocacy Chair-elect for FY 2013-14)
  • In 2013 became board member of the Yuma County Children’s Museum
  • In April 2013 became a member of the Statewide Advisory Board for the Arizona Healthy Aging, Phoenix, Arizona
  • In 2013, Ms. Aguirre was invited as a Western Regional Co-Chair for the Affordable Care Act, State Level
  • Center for the Future of Arizona, Gabe Zimmerman Annual Award Committee Member (2012)
  • In March 2011 Ms. Aguirre was invited as a member of the STEAM Academy (Educational Pathways Leading to Bachelors of Science Degrees), Yuma, Arizona
  • In March 2011 became member of the Arizona Diabetes Leadership Council and Arizona Diabetes Coalition
  • In 2010 Ms. Aguirre became a member of the Yuma Family YMCA Board of Directors, Yuma, Arizona
  • In 2007, Senate President Bee appointed Ms. Aguirre to serve as a member of the Arizona Homeland Security Coordinating Council
  • On March was appointed member of the Transportation Committee of the National Conference of State Legislature for the 2007-2008 biennium.
  • Member of the Health Committee of the National Conference of State Legislature for the 2007-2008 biennium
  • Member of the Agriculture, Environment and Energy Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures for the 2007-2008 biennium
  • In February 13, 2007, Governor Janet Napolitano appointed Ms. Aguirre member of the Arizona-Mexico Commission
  • In January 2006, became a member of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, an arm of the National Caucus of State Legislators (NCSL)
  • In October 2005 Ms. Aguirre became a member of the Arizona Center for Public Health Preparedness (AzCPHP) Advisory Committee
  • In August 2005, Ms. Aguirre was reappointed by Governor Janet Napolitano to the Arizona Governor’s Homeland Security Coordinating Council
  • In 2005, became member of the Health Committee of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL)
  • In May 2004, Governor Janet Napolitano appointed Ms. Aguirre member of the Arizona State Citizen Corps Council. The Council’s mission is to “harness the power of every citizen to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, people health issues and disasters of all kind”.
  • In February 2003 Ms. Aguirre became a member of the Good Neighbor Environment Board an Advisory Board to the United States Congress and President Bush on environmental issues
  • In 2003 Governor Janet Napolitano appointed Ms. Aguirre to serve as a member of the Arizona Governor’s Homeland Security Council, (being the only State Legislator in such council)
  • January 2000-2003 Ms. Aguirre served as member of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission appointed by President Clinton
  • In 1999 Ms. Aguirre was also appointed by Governor Jane D. Hull to serve in the Governor’s Commission on the Health Status of Women and Their Families and presently continues being a member under the leadership of Governor Janet Napolitano
    • Yuma County Redistricting Commission, appointed by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors in 2001
  • President of the Rio Colorado Commission, a commission established in Yuma County to promote the collaboration and economic development, which has the mission to unify and benefit the people of the international region of the lower Colorado River. 2001-2003
  • In November 2000, Amanda was appointed by Governor Jane D. Hull to serve in the Governor’s Commission on the Health Status of Women and their Families and presently continues being a member under the leadership of Governor Janet Napolitano
  • Yuma County Board of Health/City of Somerton representative, January, 1999
  • U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission nominated by Gov. Jane D. Hull, State of Arizona
  • U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission Appointed by President William J. Clinton on December 1999, rectify by President George Bush
  • Western Arizona Council of Government (WACOG) Yuma County Advisory Council Representing the City of Somerton, June 1997-Present
  • Arizona Competitive Environmental Risk Assessment, Public Advisory Committee, Governor’s Office. 1994-1995 (Appointed by Governor Fife Sygminton, State of Arizona). Local Agencies Nutrition Directors of Arizona, October, 1990 to September, 1991, Chairman
  • Ad Hoc Committee on County Levy and Expenditure Limits, Arizona House of Representatives
  • Ad Hoc Committee on Small School District Funding, Arizona House of Representatives
  • American Diabetes Association
  • American Dietetic Association
  • Southwestern Arizona Dietetic District Association
  • Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, Rio Colorado Commission San Luis R. C./Yuma County, President
  • National Community Health Workers/Promotores Conference. (1998-Present)
  • The EXCEL group Behavioral Health Services for Yuma and La Paz Counties, Board of Directors, (1996-2003)
  • U.S. Mexico Border Health Foundation, Board of Directors, (1994-Present)
  • Annual Arizona Lay Health Workers Conference Planning Committee Chairman (1993-1997)
  • U.S.-Mexico Border Health Association, (1993 – 2011)
  • Arizona Women's Cancer Network, Professional Education Committee, (1993 – Present)
  • Binational Conference on Tuberculosis “San Luis R. C., Sonora/Yuma County, Planning Committee Member,(1993-Present)
  • American Association of University Women, Yuma Crossing Branch, (1992 – Present)
  • Binational Health and Environment Council, San Luis R. C., Sonora/Yuma County (1992-Present)
  • Arizona Mexico Governor’s Commission, Public Health Committee, (1992 – Present)
  • Arizona Governor’s Homeland Security Council (2003-Present)
  • National Rural Health Association (2003-Present)

 

Awards

  • In September 2016 Ms. Aguirre received the Arizona Public Health Association’s 2016 “Elsie Eyer Commitment to Underserved People Award”.
  • “Los Otros Mexicanos” Ms. Amanda Aguirre, a documentary based on her career (2015)
  • In March 28, 2012 received the Arizona Latina Trailblazer Award: Stories of Courage, Hope & Determination
  • In 2011 received the “2011 Innovation Award” by UnitedHealthCare Community Plan
  • In 2009 received the Cultural Heritage Award for 2009 from ASU Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy in acknowledgement of her significant contributions to behavioral health care in Arizona
  • In 2009 Legislative Appreciation Award - Arizona Osteoporosis Coalition
  • In appreciation for the time she took to speak to the many guests of the Second Annual Arizona Generations of Women. Her presence spoke loudly about her concern for the health and well being of all Arizona residents
  • In 2009 Legislative Appreciation Award - Arizona Hospital and Healthcare
  • Association for fighting to preserve access to high quality healthcare in Arizona
  • In 2009 Outstanding Legislator Award - County Supervisors Association
  • In 2009 Arts Hero Award - Arizona Citizens Action for the Arts
  • In 2009 Friend of Cities and Towns Award - League of Arizona Cities and Towns
  • The “County Advocate” award from the County Supervisors Association of Arizona, the “Walk the Talk” Award from the Arizona Medical Association at the 2008 President’s Banquet, and the “Friend of Cities and Towns” Award from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns
  • The “2008 Arts Hero” award from the Arizona Action for the Arts
  • Senator Aguirre has received the “30th Anniversary Partnership Award” from the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • In September 2007, she received the “Policy Maker of the Year Award” from the Arizona Public Health Association
  • In March 8, 2007 received an award for the “10th Most Influential Hispanics” in Yuma County
  • In July 2006 received the “Outstanding Arizona Legislator Award” from the Arizona Rural Health Association
  • In June 2006 received the “Diabetes Advocacy Award” from the American Diabetes Association, Arizona Chapter
  • In 2005 “Community Nutrition Award” on behalf of the Arizona Dietetic Association
  • In February 2005 Ms. Aguirre received a “Certificate of Appreciation” on behalf of Arizona’s Children Association
  • In 2005 Recipient of the “Kids and Asthma: A Report to the Yuma Community, The President’s Medal for Social Embeddedness” from Arizona State University
  • In 2004 received the “Outstanding Legislature Service Award” on behalf of the Arizona Counties, County Supervisors Association of Arizona
  • From 2003-2005 received “Award of Distinction” by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns
  • In June 2003 Ms. Aguirre received the Senator Andy Nichols Award by governors of Arizona and Sonora for her dedication to improving the region through public health education and awareness
  • In December 2002 Ms. Aguirre received the Border Health Hero Award by Dr. Alfonso Ruiz, Executive Director, Office of Pan American Health Organization
  • Athena Award-Yuma County Chamber of Commerce- Award given to women who has displayed leadership, business and professional growth
  • In January 2002 Amanda appeared on Univision “Nuestro Orgullo” Hispano, a segment in which recognizes outstanding individuals within the Hispanic community and for being a role model for the Latino society
  • The Ohtli Award instituted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recognize Mexican nationals living broad who are making a difference in their communities. Received in March 3, 2000
  • U.S.-Mexico Border Health Association for the 1999 Award for Health Worker of the Year