Jenniffer González Colón
Governor of Puerto Rico
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The current Governor of Puerto Rico, is the second woman elected to the office and the first representing the New Progressive Party. Her career reflects a historic trajectory, having been the first woman to represent the Island in the United States Congress and to serve as Speaker of the House of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. She is a steadfast advocate for equality for Puerto Ricans through Statehood, a dedicated public servant, art enthusiast, attorney, mother, and wife. Throughout her tenure as a legislator and Member of Congress, she consistently focused on the needs of the people of Puerto Rico. In Washington, she secured and oversaw the largest federal funding allocations in the Island’s history. As Governor, her administration is committed to maximizing the effective use of those resources—resources she herself helped secure—to accelerate infrastructure reconstruction, drive economic development, and deliver a government with less bureaucracy, greater agility, and a strong sense of urgency; one that listens to, understands, and delivers results for its people, while continuing the fight for equal rights and full participation as citizens of the United States. |
Francisco J. Domenech, Esq.
Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority
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Francisco J. Domenech, Esq. was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on April 29, 1978. He is married to Veronica Ferraiuoli-Hornedo, Esq. with whom he shares two daughters. Since January 2025, Domenech serves as the Chief of Staff of Puerto Rico's Government (Secretario de la Gobernación, in Spanish) and as the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (AAFAF, by its Spanish acronym). As the principal advisor to Governor Jenniffer González Colón, he is responsible for coordinating and supervising the operations of the executive branch and the cabinet, implementing Governor González Colón’s public policy, and overseeing the state budget, as well as fiscal and financial matters through AAFAF. A double graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Domenech earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Cum Laude, in 1999, and later, in 2003, obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the UPR School of Law. In 2002 he also attended University College London Faculty of Laws. During his years at UPR, he actively participated in student government, serving as President of the General Student Council of the university during the 1999-2000 academic year. Since 2004, Domenech has been admitted to practice law in Puerto Rico and is also admitted to six different federal courts. In 2005, he served as Chief Legal Advisor and Federal Affairs Advisor for the Senate of Puerto Rico under the presidency of the Hon. Kenneth McClintock. That same year, he became the Director of the Office of Legislative Services of the Legislative Assembly (“OSL”). Under his leadership, the OSL expanded the services provided by the Legislative Library, including significant improvements in accessibility and increased services for individuals with functional challenges; participated in the drafting and consideration of over 800 laws; and managed an annual budget of $11 million, generating surpluses during the three fiscal years he led the agency. After concluding his public service at the end of 2008, Domenech founded and successfully managed a legal and government affairs consulting firm in Puerto Rico. During those 15 years, Mr. Domenech represented Fortune 100 and 500 companies across a range of products and services before the legislative and executive branches, municipalities and the private sector developing a deep understanding of the interaction between the public and private sectors. Domenech possesses extensive knowledge and experience in the financial markets. For nearly two decades, he has managed his own investment portfolio in national and international public markets and has been an investor in startup companies and venture capitalist funds outside of Puerto Rico. Mr. Domenech has led the last five campaigns of now Governor Jenniffer González Colón: the 2016 and 2020 primary and general election campaigns for Resident Commissioner, and the primary and general election contests of the past election, where González Colón consistently secured decisive victories. He has also been intimately involved for nearly 25 years in national politics. These experiences enhanced his strategic acumen, equipping him to resolve complex problems and lead effectively in times of crisis. Domenech has actively supported a variety of charitable causes over the years, including the Access to Justice Fund, the Puerto Rico Food Bank, the San Francisco de Asís Animal Sanctuary, Rabito Kontento, the Ponce Museum of Art, the Puerto Rico Museum of Art, the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, among others. |
Veronica Ferraiuoli Hornedo
Government Efficiency Coordinator for the Government of Puerto Rico
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Veronica Ferraiuoli Hornedo is an attorney and public official whose career spans the legal profession and senior government roles in Puerto Rico. Her work is marked by a consistent ability to connect legal judgment with practical public-sector execution. She completed her undergraduate education at Johns Hopkins University and earned her Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Puerto Rico and admitted before several federal courts in the United States, reflecting a strong legal background and the breadth required to address complex legal and administrative issues. Throughout her career, she has moved between legal practice and leadership roles within government, contributing to policymaking efforts, regulatory analysis, and interagency collaboration. This experience has shaped a deep, working understanding of how the government operates and how administrative systems can be improved to function more effectively. She currently serves as Government Efficiency Coordinator for the Government of Puerto Rico, where she leads the Initiative for Deregulation and Administrative Efficiency (IDEA), an effort focused on reviewing regulations, simplifying procedures, and improving the overall performance of government operations. At the same time, she serves as Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority, overseeing the management and direction of one of the island’s central hubs for economic activity, tourism, and large-scale events, with a focus on long-term growth and opportunity development. |
Eng. Josué A. Colón Ortiz, PE
Executive Director of The Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority
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Josué A. Colón Ortiz, P.E. studied in the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering Mr. Colón Ortiz has over 30 years of experience in the electrical engineering field. During his professional career, Colón Ortiz has worked in the government sector as well as in academia. From 2006 to 2009 served as Faculty Professor at John Dewey College, educating students on the basics of mathematics. On 1988 Mr. Colón Ortiz joined the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, as a Mechanical Engineer in the Mechanical Design Section, under which he designed mechanical systems for power plants, including troubleshooting and the designing proper solutions. Since his beginning at PREPA, Mr. Colón Ortiz grew steadily thru various positions where he obtained a vast knowledge of all areas from, Maintenance Engineering, Project Administration, Outage Manager, Head Power Plant, and Electric System Director where he was responsible for directing and supervising the integrated operation, the preventive and corrective maintenance of the entire Electric System. As the Electric System Director, he was responsible for the success direction of all the efforts and resources assigned to the accomplishment of the transition related to the new millennium. UnderMr. Colón Ortiz’s leadership as Electric System Director, the Authority was recognized with the outstanding achievement award in mechanical and electrical engineering of the Engineer andSurveyorCollegeofPuertoRicofor twoprojectsdevelopedatthePaloSecoPower Plant. Mr. Colón Ortiz served as the Electric System Technical Advisor for seven years, where he was responsible for advising PREPA’s governing management in critical areas such as technical and administrative. Upon completing his position as trusted advisor for PREPA’s Governing Management, Mr. Colón Ortiz became Generation, Transmission and Distribution Director, he oversaw a new organizational model that consolidated the functions of design, construction, operation, maintenance, and protection of the Puerto Rico electric system infrastructure. From 2010 to 2012 Mr. Colón Ortiz became the Generation Director, he was responsible for the successful direction of all the efforts and resources assigned to the accomplishment of the transition related to the use of natural gas and renewable sources of energy. The Authority was recognized with the outstanding achievement award in mechanical and electrical engineering of the Engineer and Surveyor College of Puerto Rico for the conversion to natural gas project developed at the Costa Sur Power Station. Following in 2012, Mr. Colón Ortiz was appointed as the Executive Director for Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA)until 2013. After serving as the Executive Director for PREPA, he became an Energy Consultant to various Puerto Rico Government officials, mayors, legislative representatives, and senators, as well as private companies assisting in matters related to Puerto Rico’s Electrical Power Systems. In 2021, engineer Colón Ortiz returned to lead PREPA, a position he held until January 2025, when he was appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico, Honorable Jenniffer González Colón, to the positions of Energy Czar of the Government of Puerto Rico and Director of the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority. During his recent period as Executive Director of PREPA, engineer Colón Otiz was part of the state and federal government’s efforts to guide the reconstruction process of the public corporation’s energy and water infrastructure. Given all his vast experience in Puerto Rico’s, Electrical System wecould say Mr. ColónOrtiz is an engineer, recognized as a dynamic, result-oriented executive with a strong track record of performance driven organizational culture transformation. |
Sebastián Negrón Reichard
Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico
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Sebastián Negrón Reichard is the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico. Trained in law, business, and economics at leading institutions, his career reflects a distinctive combination of academic rigor, government service, private sector experience, and commitment to public innovation. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania through the prestigious Huntsman Program, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics from The Wharton School and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. He later obtained a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Throughout his career, he has taken on leadership roles across government, finance, consulting, and technology. He served as Chief of Staff at the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, as a strategy consultant at Accenture in New York, and as an associate at Sullivan & Cromwell. He also worked at the fintech startup Minu in Mexico City, and as a Harvard Business School Fellow, he advised the City of Boston on economic development, permitting reform, and public-private partnerships. In addition to his professional roles, Negrón Reichard has actively contributed to public debate on economic development, regulatory reform, and policy innovation. His work has been published in the Harvard Latin American Law Review, Harvard Business School, and the Miami Herald, addressing issues such as Puerto Rico’s energy modernization, government contracting reform, the CHIPS Act, federal bankruptcy law, and equity in federal programs. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Harvard/MIT Cooperative Society. His leadership and contributions have been highlighted in outlets including Forbes, CNN, and HBS Magazine. In the civic sphere, he co-founded Students with Puerto Rico and was a member of the Society Council of the Americas in New York, reaffirming his commitment to building stronger ties between Puerto Rico and the world. |
Ángel L. Pantoja Rodríguez, Esq.
Secretary of the Treasury
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Attorney Pantoja holds a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Finance from the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón Campus. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the School of Law of the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico and is admitted to the practice of law in Puerto Rico. He began his professional career at the law firm Marichal, Hernández & Juarbe, where he worked for several years. On February 12, 2017, he was appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury to serve as Assistant Undersecretary for the Internal Revenue and Tax Policy Area. In this role, he participated in the development of fiscal guidelines related to tax policy and revenue collection included in the Fiscal Plan; contributed to the drafting of Act 257-2018, which introduced significant amendments to the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code; and played a key role in advancing the digital transformation of the Internal Revenue Area through the Unified Internal Revenue System (SURI). On June 24, 2019, at the age of 30, Attorney Pantoja was appointed Assistant Secretary for the Internal Revenue and Tax Policy Area, as well as Interim Undersecretary of the Department of the Treasury. In these capacities, he led the completion of the Internal Revenue Area’s digital transformation through SURI, consolidating all tax types administered by the Department of the Treasury into a single digital platform. He also led the implementation of 15 economic assistance programs for individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and headed the team responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Government of Puerto Rico’s Financial Statements for fiscal years 2017, 2018, and 2019. On December 28, 2020, he was appointed Undersecretary of the Department of the Treasury, a position he held until 2024. On January 7, 2025, he was appointed Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico by Governor Jennifer González Colón, and he was unanimously confirmed by the Senate of Puerto Rico on February 3, 2025. |
Gabriella Boffelli
Executive Director of The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA)
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Gabriella Boffelli serves as Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration(PRFAA) advancing Governor González-Colón’s agenda in Washington, D.C. Previously, Gabriella served nearly 14 years in the U.S. Congress, beginning her career with former Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. In 2019, she joined the office of thenCongresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón as her chief of staff. Gabriella holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and public Administration from Florida International University (FIU) and has a master’s degree in government and security Studies from Johns Hopkins University. |
Catherine Jereza
Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity (OE)
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Catherine (Katie) Jereza serves as Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity (OE). She leads the Department's research, development and demonstration programs to strengthen and modernize our nation’s power grid. She returns to OE in 2025 after serving as OE’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transmission Permitting and Technical Assistance from 2017-2019. During that time, she led Department efforts to promote the reliability, security and affordability of electricity infrastructure. In between her positions at OE, she served as a Corporate Vice President for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), providing strategic leadership for government and external engagement. Ms. Jereza has more than 30 years of experience in the energy, water, and manufacturing industries, where she led multiple startups, turnaround and major problem-solving initiatives. Specifically, she was the Director for Infrastructure Resilience at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Program Director at Energetics Incorporated, and Environmental Specialist at the Maryland Department of the Environment’s Water Supply Program. She also worked as a sales engineer for GE Water and Process Technologies and the Lincoln Electric Company. Ms. Jereza was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 7, 2025. She holds an MBA from the Loyola University Maryland and a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. |
Mike Martucci
EPA Region 2 Administrator
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Mike Martucci is a former NY State Senator, and respected business owner and farmer from the Hudson Valley. During his time in the NY State Senate, Mike was a supporter of New York's Environmental Bond Act and passed legislation related to open space protection and inland waterway designation throughout his district which included portions of Orange, Ulster, and Delaware Counties as well as all of Sullivan County. After college, Mike founded a school transportation company which grew from one bus that Mike drove to one of the largest in the country. The company now serves thousands of schoolchildren and their families in the Hudson Valley Region of New York. A family farmer, Mike is a steward of our environment and understands the importance of preserving open space for future generations. Mike is a lifelong resident of Orange County. He is a dedicated family man who believes in giving back to his community through volunteerism, teaching and philanthropy. He is a graduate of Marist College where he obtained a Master of Business Administration degree. Mike and his wife Erin are raising their three children in Orange County, NY. |
Rear Admiral (USCG, Ret.) Peter J. Brown
Senior Fellow for Western Hemisphere Security and Maritime Affais America First Policy Institute
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Rear Admiral Brown completed his 40 year military career as Deputy Assistant to the 45th President for National Security Affairs (Homeland Security & Counterterrorism Advisor) and as the President’s Senior Representative for Puerto Rico’s Disaster Recovery. Selected for these demanding roles based on decades of experience in leading Coast Guard and interagency teams in a wide variety of border security, counterdrug, emergency response, and international cooperation missions, he provided expert advice to the President, Vice President, National Security Advisor and Cabinet on diverse homeland security threats, events, and issues. He led 5 directorates of the National Security Council, including Border & Transportation Security, Counterterrorism (including counterdrug and transnational organized crime), Chemical/Biological Threats & WMD, Cyber Security, and Emergency Response & Resilience. A recognized leader in national and international security, RADM Brown now works as a consultant and public speaker/media commentator in maritime security and has joined America First Policy Institute as Senior Fellow for Western Hemisphere Security and Maritime Affairs, advancing America First policies to improve hemispheric security, stability and prosperity. He has also been named to the Heritage Foundation’s Defense Advisory Panel, where, together with 12 other experts from across 5 military branches, he provides executivelevel advice and input to Heritage’s comprehensive annual Index of U.S. Military Strength. In both roles, RADM Brown advocates for strong defense of our homeland and hemisphere, peace through strength, American prosperity, and positive US leadership on the international stage. While in uniform, he was the Coast Guard’s leading expert in counterdrug law enforcement and bilateral operations with over 30 Caribbean and Central/South American neighboring nations. A fluent Spanish speaker, he became the United States’ key operational liaison, speaker and representative to numerous partner nations and international organizations, including the Organization of American States. Highly effective in both academic teaching and technical training, he taught college-level chemistry as well as practical communications, leadership, and operational law enforcement tactics. He also combined his legal education, chemistry skills, and teaching experience to become the Coast Guard’s primary trainer and court-recognized expert witness in applying drug detection technology to at-sea law enforcement missions, assisting numerous federal prosecutors and judges in applying the full consequences of the law to drug trafficking suspects and criminal organizations. As a senior officer, RADM Brown commanded the Coast Guard’s busiest district, the 7th CG District, headquartered in Miami, with responsibility for operations and over 10,000 personnel across South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, as well as operational relationships with 34 Caribbean nations and territories. Simultaneously, he directed the interagency Homeland Security Task Force Southeast, charged with deterring and responding to the ever-present threat of maritime mass migration in the Caribbean. In this role he also provided border security advice to US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and FRONTEX, the European Union’s border security task force, as they faced serious maritime migration challenges. RADM Brown’s education includes Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry, a Juris Doctor degree, DOD’s Joint Senior Officer Leadership and Operations Course (CAPSTONE), and Harvard’s National Preparedness Leadership Institute seminar (NPLI). |
Julián Fernández Rodes
Principal Oficial Ejecutivo - Metropistas
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Julián Fernández Rodes is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Metropistas, the company that manages Puerto Rico’s major public-private highway partnerships. Under his leadership, Metropistas has strengthened its focus on road safety, sustainable mobility, and community impact. With over 25 years at the Abertis Group, he has held senior executive roles in Spain, Brazil, Chile, the U.S., and Puerto Rico, developing deep expertise in infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and toll road asset management. Among his most significant achievements are the $2.8 billion acquisition of the Yunque project in Puerto Rico, the creation of Metropistas to manage toll roads on the island, and major acquisitions in Brazil, Spain, and Italy. He currently serves as President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Puerto Rico, promoting bilateral business ties and collaborative opportunities between Puerto Rico and Spain. |
Carlos M. García
Chairman and CEO, Nave Bank
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Carlos M. García’s three-decade career in financial services spans both private and public sectors — from his early start at Credit Suisse First Boston to fourteen years in senior executive roles at Banco Santander, including President & COO of Banco Santander Puerto Rico, COO of Santander Bancorp, Vice Chairman & CEO of Santander Securities, Chairman of Santander Asset Management, and board member of Santander Bank, N.A. and Santander Holdings USA, Inc. He later stepped into Puerto Rico’s most complex fiscal challenges as Chairman and CEO of the Government Development Bank and, in 2016, was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico. Today, he is building the future of banking as Chairman and CEO of Nave Bank, a Puerto Rico mission-based and FDIC-insured neobank with a community orientation and digital focus, while also serving since 2014 as Chairman of CFG Partners, a leading community-focused consumer lender across Panama, Colombia, and the Caribbean. He is also the founder of BayBoston, a minorityowned firm focused on technology, banking, and financial services in the U.S. and Latin America. Beyond executive leadership, his impact extends across corporate and nonprofit boards, including Insigneo Financial Group and the Hyde Square Task Force in Boston, with prior board service at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, Santander Holdings USA, Santander Bank, Santander Bancorp, Banco Santander Puerto Rico, Radius Bancorp, Professional Holding Corp., and the Make-A-Wish Foundations of Puerto Rico and of Massachusetts & Rhode Island. He holds a dual degree from the Wharton School and the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. |
Orlando C. Rivera Berríos
Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of Puerto Rico
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Orlando C. Rivera Berríos currently serves as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of Puerto Rico, a position to which he was appointed by Governor Honorable Jenniffer González Colón on December 30, 2024. In this role, he leads the formulation, execution, and oversight of the Government of Puerto Rico’s budget, ensuring alignment with the Certified Fiscal Plan and applicable statutory requirements, including the PROMESA Act. He brings over 19 years of experience in public service, with extensive expertise in public finance, budgeting, accounting, auditing, and internal controls. Among his most recent and significant achievements is the certification of the Government of Puerto Rico’s budget, in compliance with the requirements of the PROMESA Act, a milestone that reflects his leadership in reinforcing fiscal governance and statutory compliance under federal oversight. In his capacity as Director of OMB, he has also strengthened the Municipal Management Division by establishing productive agreements and maintaining open dialogue with municipalities, prioritizing the protection and accessibility of funds to ensure the continuity of essential municipal services. Guided by values of commitment and public service inherited from his family, Rivera Berríos has dedicated his career to enhancing public financial management in Puerto Rico. Prior to his appointment as Director, he served as Director of the Accounts Division of the Central Accounting Bureau within the Department of the Treasury, where he led critical functions related to the accounting and budgetary management of the Commonwealth, working in close coordination with OMB and other central government entities. His responsibilities included maintaining the integrity of government funds and revenue data within Puerto Rico’s financial systems. Earlier in his career, Rivera Berríos held the position of Assistant Secretary of Administration at the Department of the Treasury, directing key administrative and budgetary initiatives and implementing improvements in the management of budgetary appropriations. He also served as Director of Finance and Budget of the Puerto Rico Lottery Bureau, where he was instrumental in implementing an integrated financial system and overseeing annual revenues and expenditures of approximately $700 million, while ensuring the accuracy and compliance of financial reporting. In addition to his executive roles, he has served as a member of the Department of the Treasury’s Ethics Committee and has been designated by various Secretaries of the Department as a fiscal compliance liaison to the Puerto Rico Financial Advisory Authority and Fiscal Agency. He has also contributed as a technical advisor in the implementation of budgetary reforms across multiple government agencies, identifying process improvements and strengthening fiscal controls throughout the public sector. Notably, he participated in the incorporation of the General Services Administration into the General Fund, enhancing the agency’s financial capacity and fiscal sustainability. Rivera Berríos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Information Systems Auditing from the University of the Sacred Heart. He is recognized for his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to public service, as well as for his commitment to fiscal transparency, effective public financial management, and the continuous improvement of budgetary practices within government institutions. |
Javier D. Ferrer
Chief Executive Officer and President of Popular, Inc
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Javier David Ferrer is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Popular, Inc., the leading financial institution in Puerto Rico with operations on the island, the continental United States, and the Virgin Islands. The company ranks among the top 50 bank holding companies in the United States, with over $70 billion in assets, 9,000 employees, and serving more than 2 million customers in Puerto Rico. Ferrer has held several executive positions in Popular. He was president, chief operating officer, and chief business strategy officer since May 2024; served as chief operating officer and chief business strategy officer from 2022 until April 2024; and previously served as chief legal officer from 2014 to 2021. He was also secretary of the board of directors from October 2014 to May 2024. Throughout his career at Popular, he led the strategy and execution of the Corporation’s business lines, achieving solid financial results. He also oversaw the transformation program from its initial stages, streamlining processes and driving new solutions to improve customer experience. In addition, he supported the expansion of the auto financing business through the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Reliable Financial Services, Inc. and Reliable Financial Holding Company, subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company in Puerto Rico. He also participated in the transaction with Evertec, where essential channels were acquired to accelerate digital transformation. Before to joining Popular, Ferrer was a partner at Pietrantoni Méndez & Alvarez LLC, a prominent law firm in Puerto Rico, and previously served as president of the Government Development Bank of Puerto Rico. Ferrer holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and studied law at Boston College Law School. He currently serves on the boards of Popular, Inc., Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, and Popular Bank. He is also a member of the Puerto Rico Bankers Association and a trustee of Fundación Banco Popular and Popular Foundation. In addition, he is a member of the board of directors of SER de Puerto Rico and serves as trustee of the advisory board of the Fideicomiso de Conservación de Puerto Rico. |
Ella Woger-Nieves
Chief Executive Officer at Invest Puerto Rico
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Ella Woger-Nieves is the Chief Executive Officer at Invest Puerto Rico, a non-profit organization created by law tasked with attracting new businesses and capital investment to the Island. Woger-Nieves was responsible for InvestPR’s start-up from an operational standpoint in 2018. Before being appointed CEO, she was the Chief Operating Officer (COO), playing an instrumental role in the organization’s creation by helping establish its mission, objectives, and roadmap to accomplishing them. A Puerto Rico native, Ella brings 20 years of experience in strategic marketing and management consulting to the table, having counseled an array of leading public and private sector clients and worked with Fortune 500 companies in strategic sectors like financial services and life sciences. She has vast experience in leading and facilitating strategic planning, market analysis and organizational restructuring initiatives across a broad array of industries within the public and private sectors as well as the non-profit sector. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Ella began her career at multinational corporations with marketing and strategy consulting roles at Ernst & Young and Johnson & Johnson. Following that, she put her experience to work for Vision-to-Action, a boutique management consulting firm in San Juan and Miami, where she worked extensively with Puerto Rico’s main economic development agencies, including the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, to jumpstart projects in areas specifically related to business attraction, retention and expansion. Ella moved back to the Island after leading the consulting practice at a marketing and strategy consulting firm in Washington D.C., the Collage Group. Most recently, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Economic Development Council, the entity that guides the practice of economic development headquartered in Washington DC. She also serves as a member of the Advisory Board of Bioleap, the first bioscience incubator in Puerto Rico. |
Antonieta Cristina Pérez
Citi Country Officer & Banking Head Puerto Rico
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Antonieta Perez brings over 27 years of experience in the Financial Industry, 21 of those years dedicated to Citi. As of October 1, 2025, Antonieta Perez has been appointed Citi Country Officer (CCO) for Puerto Rico. In this role, she is responsible for maximizing business with clients in Puerto Rico across all products and subproducts, locally and internationally, aiming to establish Citi as their preeminent banking partner. Her responsibilities include direct accountability for the Banking P&L, managing the International Banking Entity (IBE), leveraging the full network value for clients, and cultivating strong regulatory relationships. Previously, from August 2021 – 2025, she served as CCO and BCMA Head of Citibank in Paraguay. Prior to this, Antonieta held the position of Public Sector Director for Citibank in LATAM, including Mexico, where she was involved in significant transactions for governments in the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Paraguay, and Mexico. From 2010 to 2014, Antonieta led the Treasury, Trade, Custody, Agency & Trust, and Client Delivery divisions for Citibank in Venezuela. She commenced her career at Citi in Venezuela in 2001, progressing to become a cluster head for key industries such as Food and Beverage, Consumer and Health Care, Auto, Oil and Gas, Financial Institutions, and Public Sector. Before joining Citi, Antonieta worked at Vestocop Partners, an investment bank specializing in the oil and gas sector with a focus on Venezuela and Mexico. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and an MBA specializing in Finance, both awarded cum laude from the University of Miami. She is married with two children and currently resides in Puerto Rico. |
Jorge Hernández De León
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Aerostar Airport Holdings
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Jorge Hernández has over 25 years of experience in business administration, financial planning, startup development, corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and the integration of multinational companies. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aerostar Airport Holdings, operator of the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico. Aerostar leads the first and most significant airport privatization in the United States under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Partnership Program (AIPP), marking a milestone in the U.S. airport sector’s public-private partnership (PPP) model. Since assuming the presidency of Aerostar, Hernández has played a pivotal role in the operational and strategic transformation of the airport. Under his leadership, Luis Muñoz Marín Airport reached a historic record of more than 13.6 million passengers in 2025, representing a 64% increase compared to 2013, the year Aerostar took over its operations. This growth has generated an estimated annual economic impact of $8.7 billion for Puerto Rico. Over the past decade, Aerostar has invested over $400 million in airport infrastructure improvements, and it projects additional investments of more than $400 million over the next five years. Examples include the renovation of terminals, runway reconstruction, and the expansion of the parking system, among other projects. Prior to his role at Aerostar, Hernández held key executive positions in the telecommunications sector. He served as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at Onelink Communications, Finance Director at Telefónica Móviles in Madrid, and Regional Director and Controller at BellSouth International, where he managed complex integration processes following Telefónica’s acquisition of BellSouth assets. He also worked at the accounting firm Arthur Andersen LLP. Hernández holds an MBA from Georgetown University, an Executive Master’s in Business Administration from ESADE Business School in Spain, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico, and a Global Management Certification from INCAE Business School. In the philanthropic and civic sphere, he actively supports various causes through Aerostar. Personally, he serves on the board of the Puerto Rican Down Syndrome Foundation. He is also a board member of Discover Puerto Rico (DMO), serves as President of the Puerto Rico Public Private Partnership Association, and leads the Puerto Rico Air Cargo Community Committee (Life Science Community). Internationally, he serves on the board of Airports Council International – Latin America (ACILAC) and as Vice President of the Medium Airports Committee of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA). In addition, acts as Chair of the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE). In 2024, he was recognized as Executive of the Year by the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, an honor that highlights his visionary leadership and his commitment to the island’s economic development. |
Aurelio Alemán
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), First BanCorp
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Aurelio Alemán has been President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First BanCorp since 2009. With over 40 years of experience in the financial sector, 27 of them in FirstBank, Mr. Alemán oversees the operation of First BanCorp., the publicly traded bank holding company (NYSE: FBP) of FirstBank, which is the second-largest financial institution headquartered in Puerto Rico. FirstBank has operations in the state of Florida and the Virgin Islands and serves over 675,000 customers with 3,200 employees. During his tenure as CEO, Mr. Alemán completed the bank's $520 million recapitalization in 2011 and the subsequent turnaround of the organization to solid footing and return to profitability. The timely execution of its strategic plan has produced significant improvements in overall financial performance as well as technological innovation and operating efficiency. Over the past 5 years, FirstBank has distinguished itself for delivering high quality of service, strong financial performance including top-quartile profitability results, healthy balance sheet growth, particularly in the commercial and auto lending segments, while safeguarding its risk profile and delivering best-in-class shareholder returns. Such performance has been recognized through multiple awards in recent years including the “2022 Bank of the Year — Puerto Rico” by The Banker Magazine, “#1 Performing Bank” by the American Banker and the “2024 KBW Bank Honor Roll”. Today, FirstBank continues to operate with the highest level of regulatory capital among local institutions, well-positioned to continue supporting economic development in Puerto Rico and its operating geographies and undertake the investments to continue improving its products and customer service delivery. As one of the leading banks in the Virgin Islands, with over 33% deposit market share, FirstBank operates one of the region's largest branch and ATM network. The Bank also has a growing presence in the South Florida market, offering complete commercial and retail banking services. Mr. Alemán’s vast expertise in the banking industry also includes diverse experiences in business administration, sales, credit, risk, banking operations, and technology with institutions such as Citibank and Chase Manhattan Bank. Mr. Alemán currently serves as President of the Puerto Rico Bankers Association. He has also been a director of the Latin America and Caribbean Advisory Board of MasterCard® since 2012. |
José R. Fernández
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, OFG Bancorp
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José R. Fernández is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of OFG Bancorp and its primary subsidiary, Oriental Bank. He also is Chairman of the Board of Directors of OFG’s other major subsidiaries – Oriental Financial Services and Oriental Insurance. From 1991, when he joined Oriental, until 2004, when he was named CEO, Mr. Fernández managed all of the company’s core businesses. He was named Vice Chairman of the Board in 2008 and Chairman of the Board in 2024. Since heading up OFG, Mr. Fernández has significantly expanded Oriental’s stature and capabilities through organic growth and three major acquisitions: Puerto Rico’s Eurobank in 2010, BBVA’s Puerto Rico operations in 2013, and Scotiabank’s Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands operations in 2019. Starting as the 9th largest bank in 2004, Oriental has become the challenger institution among the three remaining Puerto Rico banking institutions, with No. 2 and 3 market shares in retail and commercial banking, and wealth management. In so doing, Oriental has led the local banking and financial services industry with the introduction of innovative customer-facing digital technology, providing unparalleled levels of convenience and value-added service. American Banker named Mr. Fernández “Community Banker of the Year” in 2023 for his leadership in growing the company. Mr. Fernández also devotes considerable time and effort to organizations focused on the economic, environmental and educational development of Puerto Rico and U.S. Caribbean territories. In 2024, Mr. Fernández was elected to the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, representing Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands FHLBNY members. From 2015-2018, he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, one of the oldest Catholic educational institutions in Puerto Rico. From 2011-2016, Mr. Fernández served as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council. From 2013-2015, he was President of the Puerto Rico Bankers Association. Since 2008, Mr. Fernández has been a member of the Business Advisory Board of the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business, and a Member of the Advisory Board of Puerto Rico Conservation Trust. In October 2020, Mr. Fernández was named a NACD Board Leadership Fellow. Mr. Fernández holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. |
Maritza Abadía
President Banesco USA Puerto Rico
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Maritza Abadía was appointed President of Banesco USA Puerto Rico in 2024, in recognition of the excellent work that Maritza has done for the past 12 years leading the Puerto Rico team. Currently, Abadía is the only female to hold the presidency of a bank in the island. During Maritza’s tenure at the helm of Banesco in Puerto Rico, she has played a pivotal role in the institution's remarkable strategic growth within the local commercial banking sector, growing the local operation by venturing into new business segments while exceeding customer satisfaction levels. A seasoned banker with a 30+ year career dedicated to the Puerto Rico market, Mrs. Abadía has a deep understanding of the local banking and business landscape on the island. In 2025, Maritza received the Banker of the Year Zenit Award from the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce. She was also selected by El Nuevo Día's Magacín publication as part of the group of women recognized in its Woman of the Year edition, for her leadership, talent and impact promoting social change and opening doors for future generations. With an impressive career in banking that has included top-level management positions at other banking institutions in Puerto Rico, Mrs. Abadía previously served as director of corporate banking at Citibank. Highly engaged in the community, Maritza is a member of the Puerto Rico Community Foundation and the Social Action Center Rafael Camacho Parés. Additionally, she currently serves as treasurer of the board of directors for the Banks Association of Puerto Rico (Asociación de Bancos de Puerto Rico). Mrs. Abadía holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Puerto Rico. She is also a Certified Public Accountant. |
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