LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today announced the appointment of Diego Alvarez as Deputy Mayor for Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations. In his new role, Alvarez will serve as the Mayor's chief liaison to federal, state and local governments and agencies.

"Diego Alvarez will play a crucial role in collaborating with our partners, securing vital resources for Los Angeles, and moving our agenda forward for the benefit of all Angelenos,"� Mayor Villaraigosa said. "Diego's experience, expertise and deep roots in City government and legislative affairs make him the ideal candidate to fill this important position."

Alvarez currently serves as the Executive Assistant for Government Relations for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), where he coordinates government affairs for the City's four regional airports. Prior to his service at LAWA, Alvarez worked as Mayor Villaraigosa's Associate Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations, helping obtain funding for transit programs, gang prevention and intervention efforts, homeland security and police hiring initiatives, and the LA River revitalization project.

Alvarez has developed a strong background as a legislative representative for the City, working as a Government Affairs Manager in Mayor James Hahn's administration and advocating for the City in Washington, DC, during Mayor Richard Riordan's tenure. Before joining Mayor Riordan's team, Alvarez served as Legislative Director for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on Capitol Hill.

Alvarez is a graduate of George Washington University Law School and the University of California, Irvine. He will replace outgoing Deputy Mayor Kevin M. Acebo, who will leave the Mayor's Office at the beginning of February to pursue teaching and opportunities in the private sector.

"It has been an honor to work for Mayor Villaraigosa," Acebo said. "His efforts in Sacramento and Washington, DC, have yielded millions of dollars for local projects for the City's residents."

"Kevin Acebo has been a creative leader for a strong team working on behalf of this City,"� Mayor Villaraigosa added. "His energy, enthusiasm and skill will be greatly missed."