Robert J. Rodriguez is the president and chief executive officer of the New York State Dormitory Authority. He was the Secretary of State of New York from December 2021 to May 2024. He also served as a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 68th Assembly District from 2011 to 2021.
Early life and education
The son of former New York City Councilmember Robert Rodriguez,[1][2] Robert J. Rodriguez was born and raised in East Harlem. He attended P.S. 112, River East Elementary School, Isaac Newton Middle School, and Cardinal Hayes High School. He holds a B.A. in history and political science from Yale University, and received his M.B.A. from New York University.[3]
Career in politics and government
Rodriguez was a member of the Assembly from 2011 to 2021.[4] He represented Assembly District 68.[5] He was Chair of the Mitchell-Lama Subcommittee, working to provide affordable housing.[6]
A purportedly grassroots non-profit organization, "New York 4 Harlem", that actively solicited donations of $500 to $5,000 was accused in 2018 of being a front for Rodriguez and three other Harlem elected officials.[7][8]
On November 4, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul nominated Rodriguez for appointment as Secretary of State of New York. Rodriguez assumed an acting role as secretary in December 2021,[9] and was confirmed by the New York State Senate on March 2, 2022.[10][3]
Rodriguez left his position as secretary of state in May 2024 to become president and chief executive officer of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.[11] Upon Senate confirmation, he was succeeded by Walter T. Mosley.[12]
Personal life
Rodriguez was charged with driving while intoxicated in 2013.[13]
References
- ^ "The 2023 Power of Diversity: Latino 100". City & State NY. September 25, 2023.
- ^ Saxon, Wolfgang (July 23, 1994). "Robert Rodriguez, 43, Politician And Affirmative-Action Official" – via NYTimes.com.
- ^ a b "Robert J. Rodriguez". dos.ny.gov. Department of State. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Hochul Picks Harlem Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez For Secretary Of State". www.cbsnews.com. November 5, 2021.
- ^ Garber, Nick (December 13, 2021). "Harlem Assembly Race Heats Up: Who Will Replace Robert Rodriguez?". Harlem, NY Patch.
- ^ "NY State Assembly: Committees, Commissions, and Task Forces". New York State Assembly. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
- ^ Campanile, Carl (February 19, 2018). "'Grassroots' nonprofit group has ties to powerful politicians". New York Post.
- ^ "Harlem 'Grassroots' Nonprofit Has Ties To Powerful Politicians Reports NY Post". Harlem World Magazine. February 19, 2018.
- ^ Garber, Nick (December 13, 2021). "Harlem Assembly Race Heats Up: Who Will Replace Robert Rodriguez?". Patch. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
Rodriguez assumed the office this month
- ^ "New York State Senate Session - 03/02/2022" (video). youtube.com. NYSenate. March 2, 2022.
- ^ Parsnow, Luke (April 10, 2024). "New York Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez to take new role leading Dormitory Authority". Spectrum News 1. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ "Governor Hochul Announces Confirmation of Administration Appointees by Senate". governor.ny.gov. May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Bryan (June 5, 2013). "Assemblyman charged with DWI". timesunion.com.
