The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has appointed South Texas native Armida Riojas to lead the bank’s San Antonio branch. In her new role, Riojas, an assistant vice president, is responsible for the branch’s operating and administrative functions. She will continue her current role overseeing the Dallas Fed’s economic education group and the communications and outreach team at the San Antonio branch. Riojas joined the Dallas Fed at its San Antonio branch in 2007.

Riojas will make a priority of engaging with stakeholders across Central and South Texas. The San Antonio Branch covers 55 counties serving as the crossroads between the U.S. and Mexico with eight border crossings, diverse economies and fueling sectors.

“It is important for the Federal Reserve and the monetary policy process to have on-the-ground knowledge and understanding of the business, industry and financial conditions of this unique region,” Riojas says. “I am looking forward to continuing to meet with community and business leaders to keep a good pulse on local economic conditions and gather diverse perspectives on the economy.”

Riojas earned an MA degree in economics from the University of Texas–San Antonio and a BS degree in economics from Baylor University. She serves on the board of Jump$tart Coalition of Texas, an organization that focuses on financial literacy and the importance of effective financial education. She is a member of Leadership Women’s Leadership Texas program, an alumnus of Leadership Texas’ Pipeline program and member of the International Association of Business Communicators.