New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo nominated a Latina to become the Empire State's next secretary of state, taking on a role currently held by a Latino.

Cuomo named Rossana Rosado to succeed current Secretary of State Cesar Perales, since the latter previously announced his retirement.

Rosado, a graduate from Pace University, has an extensive history in journalism and media, having served as publisher and CEO of El Diario, the oldest Spanish-language daily newspaper in the U.S. At El Diario, she previously was the first Latina to serve as its editor in chief. She also worked for broadcast media with WPIX as their producer for public affairs programming, and was later promoted to public service director. In 1992, she worked with then-Mayor David Dinkins and Rudy Giuliani as their vice president for public affairs at the Health and Hospitals Corporation of New York City.

"Rossana Rosado is a respected, intelligent leader with the experience New York needs to lift up working families and expand opportunity," Cuomo said in a statement. "From becoming the first woman to serve as editor and publisher of the largest Spanish-language newspaper in the country, to championing reentry initiatives, to her work as an award-winning producer, Rossana brings a depth and diversity of experience that is second to none."

"I am confident Rossana will be a force for positive and lasting change in communities across the state, and I am proud to welcome her to this administration," Cuomo added.

In response to the nomination, Rosado said she's honored to serve the position of secretary of state. Acknowledging Cuomo's agenda to bring "justice, opportunity and equality" for all New Yorkers, Rosado said she looks forward in helping him accomplish that mission.

"While New York is built on diversity and difference, we are one state, working together towards a common goal of lifting up the marginalized and the vulnerable to create a brighter, stronger future for all," said Rosado.

Perales, who will be nominated to the Empire State Development Board, thanked Cuomo for having served as secretary of state since 2011, recognizing the tenure as a high point of his career.

"I would also like to recognize the immense contributions of Cesar Perales, who over the past 40 years has dedicated himself to the greater good," said Cuomo. "Cesar embodies everything this state stands for: justice, integrity, pride, compassion, and he is truly one of New York's finest public servants. I wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement."

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