Ronald G. Rios elected director as Middlesex County commissioners reorganize

Ronald G. Rios was elected director of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners during the board’s 2026 reorganization meeting and was sworn in by state Senator Joseph F. Vitale.

Commissioner Scott McCollum nominated Rios for director; the nomination was seconded by Commissioner Santi Nara and confirmed by roll call. After being sworn in, Director Rios said, “It is my honor to stand before you as director of the board of Middlesex County Commissioners” and thanked colleagues, county employees and partners for their work.

At the same meeting commissioners nominated and confirmed Shanti Nara as deputy director. The nomination was moved and seconded, a roll call vote confirmed Nara, and Judge Amber J. Gibbs administered the oath.

The board also adopted a consent agenda covering resolutions numbered 26‑1 through 26‑19 after a motion and second; the motion carried on a roll call vote. The reorganization meeting included the formal swearing in of newly elected county officials: commissioners Charles Kenny, Claribel Escona Barber and Chanel Scott McCollum; Sheriff Mildred Scott; and County Clerk Nancy J. Pinkett. Deputy County Clerk Deborah Braga had earlier read the certification of election for those offices.

Director Rios used his first remarks to thank veterans and county staff and to highlight the county’s recent accomplishments before turning to priorities for 2026. The meeting concluded with a closing blessing and an adjournment motion that carried.

Votes at a glance
- Director (Ronald G. Rios): Nominated by Commissioner Scott McCollum; seconded by Commissioner Santi Nara; confirmed by roll call (yeas recorded during the roll call sequence).
- Deputy Director (Shanti Nara): Nominated and seconded; confirmed by roll call.
- Consent agenda (Res. 26‑1 through 26‑19): Motion to adopt carried on roll call.

The board recessed after a closing benediction and adjourned the reorganization meeting.