González Nominates Martínez as Puerto Rico Housing Head

Martínez Nominated as Permanent Puerto Rico Housing Secretary

Governor Jenniffer González Colón formally nominated lawyer Luis Augusto Martínez Román as the permanent secretary of Puerto Rico's Department of Housing on Monday, a nomination submitted to the island's Senate for confirmation. Martínez Román had been serving in the role on an interim basis since March 16, 2026, following the resignation of his predecessor Ciary Pérez Peña amid controversy over a home inspection centre registered in her name — an irregularity that raised ethical questions sufficient to prompt her departure from the position.

Profile and Interim Service

La Fortaleza, the governor's official residence, described Martínez Román as having a "distinguished career in public service and the legal sector, characterised by his high sense of responsibility and expertise in government affairs." During his interim service, the new secretary-designate declined multiple media interview requests from El Nuevo Día, citing the need to acclimate to the responsibilities of the position. His formal nomination moves the confirmation process forward and provides the Department of Housing with a permanent leader at a critical time for Puerto Rico's housing infrastructure and disaster recovery programmes.

Additional Government Appointments Announced

Alongside the housing nomination, Governor González Colón announced several other government appointments. Dr. Catherine Oliver Franco, head of the Mental Health and Addiction Services Administration (Assmca), was appointed as Patient Advocate. Blanca Medina Díaz, currently serving as ADSEF's administrative and programmatic advisor and with previous experience as deputy administrator and director of the Child Care programme, was appointed to lead the Family Socioeconomic Development Administration (ADSEF), filling the vacancy left by Ramón Burgos Bermúdez's resignation in February. Additional appointments were made to the State Insurance Fund Corporation Board and to multiple prosecutorial positions at the Assistant Prosecutor and Prosecutor for Juvenile Affairs levels.