Roldán is an innovative leader with extensive experience managing change in education and government. Originally from Gurabo, Puerto Rico, Roldán holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and literature and Political Science from Middlebury College, a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Trinity College, and most recently a doctorate in Education Leadership from Harvard University, where he was a Judith K. Dimon and teaching fellow. The former State Representative for Connecticut’s 4th Assembly District and Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives has led the policy office of the City of Hartford and the institutional advancement strategy of the Hartford Public Schools. In those roles, he co-developed the district’s reform strategy and secured over $80 million for the district’s strategic priorities. He is also a founder of several organizations, including Hartford Promise and Hartford Performs.

As Deputy Commissioner for System Transformation within the Rhode Island Department of Education, Roldán is responsible for school and district improvement, special education, English Learners, COVID-19 response, Providence Public Schools oversight, and several other departments/functions. He also holds an appointment as an Adjunct Professorial Lecturer at the American University School of Education, where he teaches public policy analysis and K-12 policy to doctoral students enrolled in the Ed.D. program in Education Policy and Leadership.