Carlos J. Ríos Pierluisi
Executive Director
Roosevelt Roads Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA)
Carlos J. Ríos Pierluisi has built a distinguished career in Puerto Rico’s legal field and public service. Born in San Juan, he is recognized for his strategic vision, tenacity, and commitment to Puerto Rico’s economic development.
His academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Villanova University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, and an LL.M. from Georgetown University.
He began his professional career as an intern at the law firm Jiménez, Graffam & Lausell, at the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals, and at the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. He later worked as a Paralegal at Bird, Bird & Hestres under the mentorship of Attorney Eugene F. Hestres Vélez and served as a Research Assistant to the Dean of the School of Law, Professor Vivian I. Neptune Rivera, contributing to the writing and review of a book on electronic evidence.
After passing the bar exam in October 2016, he returned to Bird, Bird & Hestres, where he developed extensive experience in both state and federal litigation. In February 2017, he joined the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico as Law Clerk to Associate Justice Hon. Mildred G. Pabón Charneco, further strengthening his legal and judicial expertise.
In April 2019, he joined the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO) as Executive Assistant. In January 2022, he was appointed General Legal Counsel and Legislative Affairs Advisor at the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC), where he led the legal operations for both PRIDCO and DDEC, overseeing litigation, legislative affairs, contracts, procurement processes, and federal and environmental matters.
In March 2023, he was appointed PRIDCO’s Deputy Executive Director, spearheading key initiatives including the restructuring of the corporation’s debt, the implementation of new technological systems, the launch of island-wide demolition projects, and the development of modern design prototypes to support emerging industries.
In 2025, he assumed the role of Deputy Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. In December 2025, he was appointed Executive Director of the Roosevelt Roads Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA), where he leads the strategic redevelopment of the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station. In this capacity, he oversees infrastructure reconstruction, economic revitalization initiatives, public-private partnerships, and long-term projects aimed at positioning Roosevelt Roads as a key engine for investment, job creation, and regional growth in Puerto Rico.
Ríos Pierluisi’s career reflects a strong commitment to public service, institutional transformation, and sustainable economic progress. His leadership continues to focus on strengthening Puerto Rico’s competitiveness and building a resilient future for the Island.
