Senate confirms Ríos Pierluisi as DDEC secretary
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 58 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
The island Senate on Monday confirmed attorney Carlos Ríos Pierluisi as secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its acronym in Spanish).
The voice vote followed a hearing before the Senate Committee on Innovation, Reform and Appointments during which the nominee outlined his professional background, economic vision and priorities for the agency.
The Senate leadership announced at the time that Ríos Pierluisi’s nomination was going to be approved, during today’s legislative session.
Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz praised the nominee’s qualifications and urged him to maintain independence in decision-making.
“I believe you are an honorable and capable person. … Do not allow anyone to pressure you into making an incorrect determination,” Rivera Schatz said. “Submit legislation that allows us to help you. What we want is to work with honesty. Do the job well.”
Ríos Pierluisi highlighted a career shaped by legal, judicial and administrative work, including leadership roles within DDEC, the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO), and most recently the Roosevelt Roads Local Redevelopment Authority.
He began his professional path after completing studies in biochemistry at Villanova University, earning a law degree from the University of Puerto Rico, and obtaining an LL.M. from Georgetown University. He later served as a law clerk at the Puerto Rico Supreme Court before joining DDEC in 2019.
As part of his presentation, Ríos Pierluisi emphasized his tenure as PRIDCO’s executive director, where he said he strengthened the corporation’s finances, streamlined administrative processes and advanced strategic industrial development projects. Among the results he cited were increased fiscal plan revenues, debt restructuring, expansion of industrial operations, and implementation of a new classification and compensation plan for employees.
He also pointed to his work as DDEC’s deputy secretary, where he led initiatives focused on deregulation, modernization of internal processes and digitalization of services. The nominee underscored his involvement in efforts to attract investment, support entrepreneurship, and enhance Puerto Rico’s economic competitiveness.
“My leadership philosophy has always been simple: less protagonism, more collaboration and teamwork, because that is how we build the solutions and the future Puerto Rico needs,” he said.
Ríos Pierluisi said he will continue advancing a strategy centered on job creation, strengthening local entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and developing emerging industries. He stressed the importance of cultivating Puerto Rican talent and fostering collaboration among government, academia and the private sector.
“I will ensure that DDEC remains a facilitator of opportunities,” he said. “That every small and midsize Puerto Rican business that comes to us finds an institution ready to help. That every investor sees in Puerto Rico a stable place to grow. That every young person sees real opportunities to build their life project here.”
Senators from both parties expressed support for the nominee, highlighting his youth and leadership.
“You are our hope. … We need young people like you who dare,” Senate Vice President Carmelo Ríos Santiago said.
Sen. Nitza Morán Trinidad added that “we are in good hands and we believe in you because Puerto Rico needs a sustainable economic development system.”
In response to questions from Sen. Ángel Toledo López and Popular Democratic Party spokesperson Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz regarding credibility in procurement processes, Ríos Pierluisi said he would not yield to pressure from “absolutely anyone” and pledged to hire qualified personnel rather than political loyalists. He also committed to reporting any improper pressure.