Dr. Guillermo Linares brings a long record of distinguished public service along with a firsthand understanding of the immigrant experience to his current role as Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.

His advocacy on behalf of workers, immigrants, and families started 30 years ago in Washington Heights, where he worked as a school teacher. Understanding the need for political participation, he ran for membership of the local school board there. In the 1980s, Dr. Linares and others were responsible for the building of desperately-needed public schools for the growing immigrant community in Washington Heights. He was also a part of a movement to establish key institutions that continue to serve Dominican and Latino populations.

In 1991, Dr. Linares made history by becoming the first Dominican elected to public office in the United States when he won a NYC Council race. As a member of the Council, he advocated for quality education, vital health services, and affordable housing. Dr. Linares also served in a national capacity as a member of the White House Initiative for Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. President William Clinton appointed him in 1999 as chair of this Initiative.

Dr. Linares immigrated to the United States in 1966. He supported his family and financed his college education by working as both a livery and taxi cab driver. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science degree from City College and a professional diploma in administration and supervision from Fordham University. He recently achieved his doctorate in education from Teachers College at Columbia University.

Dr. Linares is married to a public school principal and has two children.