Elmer Román
Captain Elmer Román is a military officer. Since December 2019, designated by governor Wanda Vázquez Garced.[1] he is the 28th Secretary of State of Puerto Rico, which includes the role of Lieutenant Governor, first in a recess appointment and since June 11, 2020, after being confirmed by both houses of the Legislative Assembly, without the constraints of a recess appointment. He was previously appointed as the secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety on April 9, 2019, succeeding Héctor Pesquera.[2][3]
Elmer L. Román | |
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Secretary of State of Puerto Rico | |
Assumed office December 20, 2019 | |
Governor | Wanda Vázquez Garced |
Preceded by | Pedro Pierluisi |
Commissioner of Safety and Public Protection | |
In office April 9, 2019 – December 20, 2019 | |
Governor | Ricardo Rosselló |
Preceded by | Héctor M. Pesquera |
Succeeded by | Pedro Janer |
Personal details | |
Born | Yauco, Puerto Rico |
Political party | New Progressive |
Education | University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (BS) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (MS) Colorado Technical University |
Military service | |
Allegiance | |
Branch/service | |
Rank |
Román is from Villas del Cafetal in Yauco, Puerto Rico. He completed a bachelor's in mechanical engineering at University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and a master's in systems engineering at Virginia Tech. He completed executive development courses at the John F. Kennedy School of Government and is currently completing a doctor of administration at Colorado Technical University.[2]
Military career
Román discovered his passion for the military as a member of the Civil Air Patrol where he earned the General Carl A Spaatz Award the highest award in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. Went on to served is the United States Marine Corps as a Platoon Sergeant, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. Other military positions include with the Office of Naval Research as Regional Director, at the United States Embassy in Santiago, Chile. Director, Joint Capability Technology Demonstration and Commanding Officer, NR NAVSEA Supervisor of Salvage and Diving Unit in the United States Navy Reserve. Among his military awards are the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal[2] HGe is currently a Captain in the US Navy Reserve.
References
- Díaz Rolón, Ayeza (December 20, 2019). "Elmer Román Designated as Secretary of State". The Weekly Journal. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
- "¿Quién es Elmer Román, el designado a dirigir el Departamento de Seguridad Pública?". El Vocero de Puerto Rico (in Spanish). April 9, 2019. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
- Cortés Chico, Ricardo (April 10, 2019). "Elmer Román hopes to speed up integration". El Nuevo Dia. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
Political offices | ||
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Preceded by Pedro Pierluisi |
Secretary of State of Puerto Rico 2019–present |
Incumbent |