Marlese A. Sifre Rodríguez was born in the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico, and has 25 years of experience in public administration with the Autonomous Municipality of Ponce, where she has distinguished herself through her dedication to serving communities and citizens.

In 2021, she was appointed Vice Mayor of the city of Ponce, and then in 2023 she was appointed Interim Mayor, where she has distinguished herself for her fight for the rights of city workers.

In November 2025, she was elected Mayor of the city of Ponce. As part of her public policy to ensure that all residents of Ponce have equitable access to essential services, the mayor is spearheading a major initiative to transform the city’s transportation system. This commitment to mobility seeks to integrate new technologies and service improvements that optimize efficiency, expand accessibility, and enhance the user experience. With a vision for the future, she promotes investments that position Ponce as a more connected, inclusive, and modern city, recognizing that an efficient transportation system is key to improving the quality of life for its people. Her participation in various initiatives and projects reflects her vision of comprehensive development to offer all residents of Ponce the city they deserve.

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