Martínez Named Housing Secretary Nominee

Nomination for Housing Department Leadership

Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez nominated Luis Augusto Martinez Roman on Monday as the permanent secretary of the Department of Housing, a government agency he has been leading on an interim basis since the resignation of Ciary Perez Peña, due to a controversy over irregularities in an inspection center that was registered in her name. The lawyer has held the position on an interim basis since March 16.

Professional Background and Transition

According to the press release from La Fortaleza, the lawyer has a “distinguished career in public service and the legal sector, characterized by his high sense of responsibility and expertise in government affairs.” Following his interim appointment, El Nuevo Día requested -on several occasions- an interview with Secretary Martínez Román, but it was not granted, under the premise that he was holding meetings to acclimate himself to the position.

Appointments Across Government Agencies

The chief executive also appointed Dr. Catherine Oliver Franco, who currently heads the Mental Health and Addiction Services Administration (Assmca), as Patient Advocate, a position she will retain until she is confirmed. To lead the Family Socioeconomic Development Administration (ADSEF), González appointed Blanca Medina Díaz, who currently serves as the agency's administrative and programmatic advisor and has previously held leadership roles including deputy administrator and Child Care program director.

Judicial and Administrative Nominations

The leadership of ADSEF became vacant after the resignation of Ramón Burgos Bermúdez in February, following the Senate’s rejection of his appointment as a municipal judge. The governor also submitted the appointment of Vanessa Del Moral Rosario as a member of the Board of Directors of the State Insurance Fund Corporation. For Assistant Prosecutor I positions, attorneys Derick Rivera Muñiz, Carolina Medina de Gracia, Gina Patricia Díaz Ortiz, and Natalie M. Martínez Muñiz were appointed, while Yamilza Mabel Vázquez Cuevas and Maylén Colón Cabán were promoted to Assistant Prosecutor II. Additionally, the nomination of Wandie Camacho Santiago as Prosecutor for Juvenile Affairs was submitted to the Senate for consideration.

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