Secretary's Biography

ROSACHELY RIVERA SANTANA
SECRETARY OF STATE


Rosachely Rivera Santana is the current Secretary of State of the Government of Puerto Rico, a position she assumed in June 2025 following a nomination supported by mayors, legislators, and community leaders. Her appointment reflects an impeccable record in public service, outstanding performance as a municipal administrator and mayor, and her ability to lead with transparency, determination, and empathy.She was born in Caguas in 1980 and raised in Gurabo by her parents, Marcelina and Rafael. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Albizu University. Her academic background has been key to the development of public policies focused on equity, collective well-being, and administrative efficiency.

She made history in 2017 by becoming the first woman elected mayor of the municipality of Gurabo, a position in which she was re-elected with the overwhelming support of 70% and then 80% of the electorate in the 2020 and 2024 elections, respectively. Under her leadership, Gurabo became one of the most organized and resilient municipalities in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and María, and has served as a model of municipal governance oriented toward direct service and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Her record of service has been marked by concrete results such as the fiscal stabilization of the municipality, efficient post-disaster recovery, expansion of social services, promotion of economic development, and public investment in infrastructure. These achievements, combined with her reputation as an accessible, honest, and collaborative public servant, were key factors in her selection as second in the constitutional line of succession in the Government of Puerto Rico.

Throughout her career, she has also held key positions such as municipal administrator of Gurabo, university professor, director of municipal agencies, and special aide for governmental relations. She has served on the boards of the Socioeconomic Community Institute (INSEC), Acción Social, the Puerto Rico League of Cities, and COFIM. She also served as secretary of the Puerto Rico Mayors’ Federation and vice president of the Municipal Alliance for Integrated Services (AMSI), contributing to numerous social and community impact initiatives.

In June 2025, Ana G. Méndez University awarded her the Presidential Medal, one of its highest honors, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to Puerto Rico’s development, her exemplary leadership, and her professional career.

As Secretary of State, she leads efforts in interagency coordination, foreign relations, outreach to the Puerto Rican diaspora, and the promotion of participatory democracy. Her leadership is guided by an inclusive vision and a public administration rooted in social justice, collaboration, and collective progress.