Francisco Parés Alicea

Francisco Parés Alicea (c. 1988) is a Puerto Rican accountant and government official who served as the secretary of treasury of Puerto Rico from 2019 to 2024.

Biography
Although Parés was born in Manatí, Puerto Rico he spent his childhood in the Monte Llano neighborhood of Morovis, Puerto Rico. He completed a bachelor's of business administration in accounting at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Parés earned a Master of Science in taxation from Northeastern University.

Parés is a certified public accountant and worked for Deloitte. He later became the assistant secretary for internal review and tax policy areas in the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury. In July 2019, he was nominated by Governor Ricardo Rosselló to succeed Raúl Maldonado as Secretary of Treasury of Puerto Rico. Parés resigns on January 31, 2024.

The end of Francisco Parés Alicea's term as Secretary of the Department of the Treasury of Puerto Rico was marked by a unique and emotional farewell. After serving since 2019, Parés Alicea concluded his tenure amid an atmosphere rarely seen in governmental farewell events.

On the day of his departure, the agency he had led for years turned into the setting for a memorable event. Employees of the Department of the Treasury gathered to bid their leader one last goodbye, not in a typical formal act, but with a fervor reflecting the appreciation and respect he had earned during his tenure.

The day was characterized by scenes more reminiscent of a rock star's farewell than that of a treasury secretary. Francisco Parés Alicea, maintaining his characteristic humility, mingled with the employees, engaging in a show of gratitude that included hugs, applause, and numerous selfies. This behavior contrasts with the conventions typically associated with high-ranking officials, highlighting a close management style and a leadership cherished by his team.

Parés Alicea's farewell not only symbolized the end of a chapter in his professional career but also highlighted the positive impact of his leadership on the work environment and the morale of the Department of the Treasury employees. The enthusiastic goodbye reflected the affection and respect he managed to foster among his colleagues, a legacy that will undoubtedly mark his passage through public administration in Puerto Rico.