Governor creates structure with spokespersons for specific policy areas
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 35 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has unveiled a series of appointments to her advisory team and communications staff at La Fortaleza, including the creation of a structure with multiple spokespersons dedicated to specific policy areas.
Following the nomination of former Public Affairs Secretary Hiram Torres Montalvo to lead the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO by its acronym in Spanish), the governor confirmed this week that Jean Peña Payano will assume the role of Public Affairs secretary. Peña previously served as González Colón’s legislative adviser.
In addition to this key appointment, González Colón announced a new approach to public communications: assigning spokespersons based on their areas of expertise. Former Barranquitas mayor Francisco “Paco” López López will handle education, municipal affairs, university issues and cultural topics. Attorney Janet Parra Mercado, the former designated Justice secretary, will serve as spokesperson on matters of public safety, criminal law, extraditions and federal coordination, drawing on her experience as a former prosecutor. Attorney Vanessa Santo Domingo will focus on family-related issues and electoral matters.
The governor also reinforced her legislative affairs team by naming two co-directors: attorney Carlos Rivera Justiniano, who previously served as assistant secretary for legislative affairs under former Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia, and former Superior Court Judge Vivian Dureaux Rodríguez, who brings extensive judicial and academic experience. They will be supported by Carmen Cintrón and attorney Jorge Pérez García.
“This structure allows us to communicate effectively and ensure that each area is represented by someone with deep knowledge and experience,” González Colón said during a press conference.