Women lead González Colón’s first Cabinet appointments

Governor-elect Jenniffer González Colón announced the first eight appointments for her constitutional Cabinet on Monday, with former incoming government transition committee member Verónica Ferraiouli Hornedo being named the new secretary of the Department of State.

Additionally, Prosecutor Janet Parra Mercado, who also served on the transition committee, has been appointed as the new secretary of the Department of Justice. Both Ferraiouli Hornedo and Parra Mercado have been actively involved in the incoming administration’s preparations and are expected to bring their expertise and experience to their respective roles within the governor’s Cabinet.

Also among the new appointees are Suzanne Roig Fuertes as Family secretary, Edwin González Montalvo as Transportation and Public Works secretary and Norberto Negrón as the executive director of the Ports Authority.

Roig Fuertes, a social worker with experience at the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration and as a former director of the Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Adolescents of Puerto Rico, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. González Montalvo, who currently serves as the head of the Highways and Transportation Authority, will leverage his experience to oversee transportation and public works initiatives.