Group comprised by leaders of the U.S. territory’s most strategic sectors
The Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association (PRMA), representing nearly 1,000 companies responsible for more than 62% of the island’s Gross Domestic Product, announced the appointment of its Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term, bringing together executives from the island’s most influential industrial sectors to guide the organization’s strategic agenda.
The swearing-in of the new Board coincides with a pivotal moment for Puerto Rico’s economic future. Nearshoring strategies, the expansion of high-value industries, the technological transformation of production processes, and the need to strengthen critical infrastructure present an opportunity to position the island as a hub for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and exports to the U.S. market.
The new Board brings together leaders from manufacturing, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, energy, transportation, telecommunications, engineering, services, and human capital. Its mandate centers on advancing initiatives that strengthen Puerto Rico’s productive capacity, attract investment, and support sustainable economic growth. The composition reflects the breadth of Puerto Rico’s industrial ecosystem and underscores the Association’s commitment to representative governance at a moment when the island faces critical decisions about competitiveness, infrastructure modernization, talent development, and innovation.
Rafael Vélez Domínguez, president of Atabey Capital, will continue serving as president of the Association. He will be accompanied by an Executive Committee composed of Illiette Frontera, vice president of Operations at Boston Scientific, as vice president; Rafael G. Díaz, president of RF Maintenance, as vice president of Service; Irene Villafañe, vice president of Manufacturing Drug Products at Amgen, as vice president of External Industries; Luis Alemañy, president of SJT Manufacturing, as vice president of Puerto Rican Industries; Kenneth Rivera Robles, CPA, Tax Partner at FPV & Galíndez LLC, as secretary; and Fernando J. Rodríguez, president and CEO of Prime Janitorial Service Corp., as treasurer.
Vélez Domínguez emphasized that the strength of the new Board lies in the depth and diversity of experience its members bring. He noted that the companies represented form an essential part of Puerto Rico’s productive fabric and contribute significantly to employment, investment, and economic activity. In an increasingly competitive environment, he said, this leadership will be fundamental to advancing initiatives that enhance productivity, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
The Board also includes regional directors from across the island, ensuring broad geographic and industrial representation. These include Marco Miranda for the North, Carlos Bonilla for the South, Carlos Ceinos for the Metro region, Peter Santiago for Metro West, Harold Nadal for Metro East, Carlos Rodríguez for Central East, and Víctor García for the West. In addition, sector representatives were appointed from pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, aerospace, human capital, transportation, engineering, finance, telecommunications, energy, textiles, agroindustry, and the Women Industrialists Chapter.
Executive Vice President Karen Mojica Franceschi highlighted the Association’s commitment to fostering constructive dialogue among the private sector, government, and academia. She noted that the Board’s diverse expertise strengthens AIPR’s ability to drive initiatives that improve competitiveness, encourage investment, and support Puerto Rico’s sustainable development.
Associate Justice Camille Rivera Pérez of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico swore in the 2026–2027 Board of Directors.
