Committee Assignments
Chairperson:
Charter, Rules & Procedures, RFP & Intergovernmental Service Consolidation
Biography
Rita Paniagua was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has been a resident of Syracuse since June 2003. She brings more than 40 years of experience in business administration, fundraising, and public relations, which have been instrumental to her professional success in the community. Rita also has a background in the performing arts, radio, and special event production.
Since moving to Syracuse, she has remained deeply committed to serving the community. She was appointed Executive Director of the Spanish Action League of Onondaga County, a role that led to her work with the New York State Puerto Rico/Hispanic Task Force. In 2016, she was elected Commissioner of Education for the Syracuse City School District. In 2019, she was elected to the Syracuse Common Council as Councilor-at-Large, and in 2025, she was elected President of the Common Council.
Rita is also the Owner and Managing Director of Cross Cultural Strategies LLC, a consulting firm that supports nonprofit organizations and small business development.
She currently serves on several boards, including CNY Arts (President Emeritus), Syracuse Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), Syracuse Housing Strategies Corporation, and JSCB. She also assists in the production of major cultural events, including the Puerto Rican Festival and Showcase Sunday.