Trenton - The New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission today announced four new Gubernatorial and Senate appointees: Senator Anthony Bucco, Dr. Thomas Ortiz, Councilman Ruben Ramos, and Miguel Melendez.

The bi-partisan Commission, established under the Murphy Administration, focuses on supporting ongoing Island stabilization efforts, exploring economic development opportunities, and strengthening educational and cultural exchanges between New Jersey and Puerto Rico.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to Senator Anthony Bucco, Dr. Thomas Ortiz, Councilman Ruben Ramos, and Miguel Melendez on their appointments to the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission. Each of you has demonstrated exceptional leadership and deep commitment to service, I am confident they will bring these qualities to the Commission.” said Governor Phil Murphy.

Co-chaired by Peggy Anastos and Jose Lozano, the Commission consists of 35 members from various regions across the State, each bringing diverse backgrounds and perspectives towards this mission.

“Having worked closely with many of the new appointees, I am excited to officially welcome them to the Commission. I know with their expertise and talent will enhance our efforts to improve the lives of New Jerseyans and Puerto Ricans.” said Chair Peggy Anastos.

“The Department of State is pleased to welcome our newest Puerto Rico Commission members” Secretary of State Tahesha Way extended congratulations saying, “With solid experience and steadfast dedication to New Jersey they are well equipped support the Commissions expanding work on the Island and the Garden State.”

Biographies of Members
Senator Anthony M. Bucco has served in the New Jersey Senate since 2019. He currently serves as the Senate Republican Leader. He previously served in the General Assembly from 2010 to 2019, including as the Republican conference leader for his final two years. Bucco earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and managerial economics in 1984 from Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA. He went on to get his law degree from Seton Hall Law School in 1987 and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar that same year. He is a partner at the law firm of Murphy McKeon, P.C. specializing in local government law. The Senator is a founding member of Daytop Drug and Alcohol Center and served on the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse from 1998 to 2009. Bucco has been a commissioner of the Morris County Sheriff's Crime Stoppers program since 1998 and served with the Boonton Volunteer Fire Department since 1980 where he attained the rank of captain.

Miguel Melendez is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in business development, management, and global account leadership. Over his dynamic career, Miguel has successfully driven growth across industries such as telecommunications, custom apparel, and brand development, demonstrating a proven ability to foster client relationships, manage large-scale operations, and achieve measurable results. A proud product of the Paterson, New Jersey, school system, Miguel has had the opportunity to live in New Jersey and in his native hometown of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, where he was also a business owner. His passion for veterans' affairs is rooted in his family's service history, driving his advocacy for those who have served. Miguel is currently a member of the board of directors for the Latino Veterans of New Jersey, where he contributes to advancing the organization’s mission of supporting veterans and their families. Miguel is also a founding brother of the national fraternity Lambda Sigma Upsilon, where his extensive experience in training, mentoring, and youth development has been instrumental in fostering leadership and community engagement among young individuals.

Councilman Ruben J. Ramos Jr. is a dedicated public servant and educator with deep roots in Hoboken, New Jersey. He began his political career in 1999 as the youngest councilman in Hoboken’s history, representing the Fourth Ward. In 2001, he was elected as a councilman-at-large, serving until 2009, and held the position of City Council President during his tenure. In 2008, Ramos was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 33rd Legislative District. During his term, he served as Vice-Chair of the Appropriations Committee and was a member of the Education Committee. He chose not to seek re-election in 2013. After his tenure in the Assembly, Ramos returned to local politics and currently serves as the councilman for Hoboken’s Fourth Ward. In addition to his political career, he is a social studies teacher in the Paterson Public Schools. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1995. Beyond his professional endeavors, Ramos is a cancer survivor, having overcome Hodgkin’s Disease in 1999.

Dr. Thomas R. Ortiz, a board-certified Family Physician, has been in the private practice of Family Medicine as the Founder and Medical Director of Forest Hill Family Health Associates, PA in Newark, NJ Northward since 1984. A graduate of New Jersey Medical School in Newark, NJ and Mountainside Family Practice Residency Program in Montclair, NJ, Dr. Ortiz joined the National Health Service Corp. and has made a career as a public health advocate for universal access to primary care for all, focused on the poor, uninsured and vulnerable populations. Leading physicians and other NJ health care stake holders, he served as past president of the NJ Academy of Family Physicians, representing over 1800 Family Physicians and other primary care practitioners in NJ. He has been tapped by Clara Maass Medical Center, an RWJ Barnabas Hospital, to be the first and current Medical Director for the Center of Excellence for Latino Health, serving the growing Latino communities through affiliations with the public school systems, community-based organizations and local churches.

To learn more about the NJ Puerto Rico Commission click here: New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission Homepage

For further information contact Executive Director: Awilda.Pomales-Diaz@sos.nj.gov