Albany, NY – Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul elevated former Executive Task Force Member, Robert J. Rodriguez as Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dormitory Authority of New York (DASNY). Rodriguez currently serves as New York’s 68th Secretary of State – a statewide position that has been held by five Latino leaders, consecutively.

“Secretary Rodriguez has been a devoted public servant with proud Puerto Rican roots. From 2011 – 2021, he delivered jobs and affordable housing for his constituents in Assembly District 68. As New York’s Secretary of State, Rodriguez has strengthened initiatives to provide greater quality of life for New Yorkers. We are proud of Secretary Rodriguez’s new role, and we trust that he will continue to succeed and represent us, Latinos, well.

The members of the Task Force thank and applaud Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts to uplift Latino leaders. As discussions proceed to fill the vacancy for New York Secretary of State, we hope the Governor’s administration considers the importance of maintaining Latino representation in such a critical statewide position. There are numerous Hispanic officials, within the Secretary of State’s Office and externally, that would be a great fit for the position.”