Politics on the Hudson

Governor David Paterson today announced the appointment of Ruth Noemi Colon of White Plains as acting Secretary of State, effective September 1.

“I am pleased to appoint such a dedicated and accomplished individual as Ruth Noemi Colon as acting Secretary of State. Ruth has been a dedicated public servant, acting as Special Counsel and advising the Secretary on a range of legal, business, licensing and local government issues,” Paterson said in a statement. “The Department of State is a critically important agency to our State, as it comprises a diverse range of services for New Yorkers, from real estate licensing to business incorporation to local government services.”

Colon joined the Department of State in 2006 and has served in a number of positions there, most recently as special counsel where she advised the Secretary of State on a range of policy and legal issues. She also helped oversee operations of the Department.

Colon is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico and Pace Law School. Prior to joining the Department of State, Colon served as the deputy director for communications and as staff attorney at the New York City Housing Authority. She has also served in a number of senior positions within the Puerto Rican government.

She serves on the board of the Puerto Rican Bar Association, is a member of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association and has been named one of 50 Outstanding Latinas by El Diairo-La Prensa – the largest and oldest Spanish-language newspaper in New York.