Ricardo Rosselló

Ricardo Antonio Rosselló Nevares, commonly known as Ricky Rosselló, is a former politician, businessman, neurobiologist, and educator who served as the Governor of Puerto Rico from 2017 until his resignation in 2019. A member of the New Progressive Party, Rosselló is notable for his advocacy for Puerto Rican statehood and his involvement in various political and scientific endeavors. He has a background in biomedical engineering and neuroscience, having earned advanced degrees from prestigious institutions. Following his governorship, he returned to political life in 2021 as a congressional shadow delegation member.

Early life and career

Ricardo Rosselló was born on March 7, 1979, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is the son of Pedro Rosselló, who served as Governor of Puerto Rico from 1993 to 2001, and Maga Nevares. Rosselló has two older brothers, Juan Óscar and Luis Roberto. His family has a notable history, with his paternal great-grandfather, Pedro Juan Rosselló Batle, having immigrated from Mallorca, Spain, in 1902.

Rosselló's educational journey began at Colegio Marista de Guaynabo, where he demonstrated exceptional mathematical abilities, even competing in the International Mathematical Olympiads. He later attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering and economics in 2001. During his time at MIT, he engaged in research focused on adult stem cells, laying the groundwork for his future scientific career.

Following his undergraduate studies, Rosselló pursued advanced education at the University of Michigan, where he obtained a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. He furthered his academic pursuits with postdoctoral studies in neuroscience and neurobiology at Duke University. His research contributions include the design and testing of a novel universal mechanism for stem cell induction, which has potential applications in tissue regeneration and disease modeling.

Rosselló's professional career in science spanned 15 years, during which he worked at several prestigious institutions, including MIT, the University of Michigan, Duke University, and the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. He also collaborated with the Comprehensive Cancer Research Center and Ana G. Mendez University, as well as the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His expertise in stem cell research and bioengineering positioned him as a knowledgeable figure in the scientific community.

In 2010, Rosselló founded the political advocacy group Boricua ¡Ahora Es! This organization aimed to promote changes to Puerto Rico's political status, advocating for statehood. His political activism set the stage for his eventual candidacy for governor.

Governorship

Rosselló announced his intention to seek the nomination of the New Progressive Party (PNP) for Governor of Puerto Rico in 2016. After winning the PNP primary, he was elected governor in the general election later that year, defeating five other candidates. His tenure as governor began in January 2017, during a challenging period for Puerto Rico, which was still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria.

During his time in office, Rosselló faced significant challenges, including economic issues and the ongoing recovery from the hurricane. He was elected president of the Council of State Governments, reflecting his involvement in national governance discussions. His administration received recognition for achievements in public health and education policy, with Rosselló being named the education policymaker of the year.

However, Rosselló's governorship was marred by controversy. In July 2019, a group chat on the messaging platform Telegram, involving Rosselló and his staff, was leaked to the public. The chat contained offensive remarks, including sexist and homophobic comments, as well as discussions about the operation of social media troll networks. One message reportedly mocked the struggles of Puerto Ricans following Hurricane Maria, which sparked outrage among the public.

The leak of the chat led to widespread protests across Puerto Rico, with demonstrators demanding Rosselló's resignation. On July 17, 2019, an estimated 500,000 people participated in protests in Old San Juan. Initially, Rosselló expressed his intention to complete his term, but he ultimately announced his resignation, which took effect on August 2, 2019.

Following his resignation, an investigation was launched to examine the circumstances surrounding the leaked chat. The Panel sobre el Fiscal Especial Independiente appointed a special independent prosecutor to look into the matter. Investigators faced challenges in obtaining evidence, as many of the devices used by the chat participants had been wiped clean. The investigation concluded that while there was evidence of tampering, there was insufficient proof to pursue criminal charges against any individuals involved.

Policy focus and legacy

Throughout his governorship, Rosselló focused on several key policy areas, including education reform, public health, and economic recovery. His administration aimed to address the pressing needs of Puerto Rico, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which had caused extensive damage and loss of life. Rosselló's recognition as an outstanding education policymaker highlighted his commitment to improving the educational landscape in Puerto Rico.

Despite the controversies that marked the latter part of his tenure, Rosselló's advocacy for Puerto Rican statehood remained a central theme of his political career. His efforts to promote this cause through his political advocacy group and during his time as governor reflected a long-standing debate within Puerto Rico regarding its political status.

After leaving office, Rosselló continued to engage in public life. In 2021, he returned to politics by receiving a significant number of write-in votes as a member of the congressional shadow delegation, making him the first Puerto Rican politician to be directly nominated in this manner. This move underscored his ongoing influence in Puerto Rican politics.

In 2024, Rosselló published a book titled "The Reformer’s Dilemma," which discusses his political experiences and the challenges he faced while implementing reforms. The book was recognized as a finalist in the American Book Fest, further contributing to his legacy as a public figure.

Currently, Rosselló serves as the Chief Vision Officer for The Regenerative Medicine Institute, a clinic focused on longevity and stem cell research. His diverse career, spanning science, politics, and advocacy, reflects a multifaceted approach to addressing the complex issues facing Puerto Rico and its residents.