Commissioner Caridad Rodriguez is responsible for the Public Safety Department.
Caridad Rodriguez has been a dedicated public servant for many years. Executive Assistant to West New York Mayor Albio Sires since 1996, Cary was noted for being a hands-on problem solver for the citizens of West New York. Her vast experience included keeping track of Mayor Sires’ schedule and community relations.
Her 12 years in the Mayor’s office have allowed her to participate in many programs affecting the Town of West New York. Commissioner Rodriguez continued on as Scheduler and Office Manager for Congressman Albio Sires his election to Congress in 2006.
Commissioner Rodriguez was involved in the West New York community as Coordinator for the Municipal Alliance Committee against Drugs and Alcohol where she served for 8 years. She was a member of the West New York Planning Board for six years, and served on the Board of Adjustments for three years.
Commissioner Rodriguez’s previous professional experience includes serving as Executive Assistant for a local attorney and as a paralegal for Nelson & Walrod, where she focused on divorce cases and real estate matters.
Her commitment and hard work earned Commissioner Rodriguez the American Red Cross Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Service, the Elena Mederos Award for outstanding commitment to the community, the PAM'S LIST Award by Women in Power (a special recognition for her commitment to the women of New Jersey), and the 2012 Annual Celebration of Latina Leaders Award in D.C. sponsored by the Imagen Foundation.
The Center for Hispanic Policy Research and Development in 2008 also selected her with a “Distinguished Leadership Service Award” that recognized her efforts and passion for serving New Jersey residents. In June 2009, she received the prestigious Sara Rosado Award presented by the Association of Mujeres Martianas of West New York.
Caridad Rodriguez was victorious when she ran in the 2007 primary election for the 33rd District Assembly seat and was elected in the November General Election, which made her the first female and Hispanic Assemblyperson for the 33rd District and the first Cuban-American Assemblywoman in the State of New Jersey. Commissioner Rodriguez is presently serving the New Jersey Assembly as Vice-Chair on the Human Services Committee and as Member of the Public Works and Transportation Committee.
Caridad Rodriguez is currently the Community Affairs Coordinator – External Affairs Department for Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, New Jersey.
Caridad Rodriguez was born in Cuba, immigrated to the United States with her parents and sister in 1962, and has been a Hudson County resident ever since. She married her husband Joseph in 1968 and is devoted to her 3 children Bonnie, a Special Education teacher; Glenn, an Electrical Engineer; and Amy, a Fashion Designer; and is the proud grandmother of Lucas, 6; and Eli, 3.