Rosemary Pino, born in the vibrant borough of the Bronx to Ecuadorian immigrant parents, is one of six children. A homeowner in Clifton and a resident for over 30 years, she has proudly contributed to the fabric of her community.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in Finance from Rutgers University, Rosemary embarked on a career in the finance industry. In the aftermath of the financial turmoil of 2008, she joined the US Treasury Department's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency as a bank examiner. In this role, she played a pivotal part in assessing banks' health and auditing their performance.
Rosemary's journey into politics began unexpectedly, as she recounts being recruited for a Board of Education Commissioner role during what she thought was a job interview. Despite her initial uncertainty, she embraced the challenge, unaware of the political landscape.
During her campaign, she encountered skepticism about campaigning in certain areas of town, which fueled her determination to challenge the status quo. Despite an unsuccessful bid, Rosemary saw a significant increase in voter turnout in traditionally overlooked areas, planting the seed for her future advocacy.
Recognizing the power of community engagement and education, she continued her efforts, eventually winning her seat on the Board of Education in 2013. This experience cemented her commitment to empowering her community and advocating for inclusivity and participation in civic life.
Rosemary Pino, born in the vibrant borough of the Bronx to Ecuadorian immigrant parents, is one of six children. A homeowner in Clifton and a resident for over 30 years, she has proudly contributed to the fabric of her community.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in Finance from Rutgers University, Rosemary embarked on a career in the finance industry. In the aftermath of the financial turmoil of 2008, she joined the US Treasury Department's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency as a bank examiner. In this role, she played a pivotal part in assessing banks' health and auditing their performance.
Rosemary's journey into politics began unexpectedly, as she recounts being recruited for a Board of Education Commissioner role during what she thought was a job interview. Despite her initial uncertainty, she embraced the challenge, unaware of the political landscape.
During her campaign, she encountered skepticism about campaigning in certain areas of town, which fueled her determination to challenge the status quo. Despite an unsuccessful bid, Rosemary saw a significant increase in voter turnout in traditionally overlooked areas, planting the seed for her future advocacy.
Recognizing the power of community engagement and education, she continued her efforts, eventually winning her seat on the Board of Education in 2013. This experience cemented her commitment to empowering her community and advocating for inclusivity and participation in civic life.
Rosemary Pino's leadership journey continued to flourish as she served as a Commissioner on the Clifton Board of Education, working tirelessly to ensure the city provided students with a top-notch education while remaining fiscally responsible. During her two terms on the board, including a tenure as Vice President, significant milestones were achieved. Notable accomplishments include investing over $8 million in capital improvements, allocating more than $3 million for children's safety, and ensuring the school budget remained under the 2% tax cap.
In 2018, Rosemary Pino made history, once again, by becoming the first minority elected to public office in Clifton when she won her council seat, breaking glass ceilings and paving the way for diverse representation. Her re-election in 2022 further solidified her dedication to serving her community and advancing its interests.
Transitioning to municipal governance, Councilwoman Pino continued her advocacy for her community and small businesses. She played a pivotal role in researching the potential tax revenue from the cannabis manufacturing industry, demonstrating her forward-thinking approach to economic development.
In her groundbreaking first term as Councilwoman, Pino collaborated with colleagues to shape changes to the Roche development and supported the approval of the city's first transit village at the former Black Prince Distillery property. Her commitment to progress and innovation has reshaped the city's growth and development.
During her dedication to municipal governance, Councilwoman Pino also actively engages in community-building initiatives that empower and unite underrepresented voices, exemplified by her founding of the Latino Leaders of Clifton.
Rosemary Pino is not only the founder of the Latino Leaders of Clifton but also serves as the Executive Director and sits on the Board of Trustees. This 501(c)4 social welfare organization is dedicated to empowering and uniting the Latino community, with Pino at the forefront of its efforts.
In 2023, the PINO movement, standing for Providing Individuals New Opportunities, was officially cemented, following Councilwoman Rosemary Pino's philosophy of giving as much as taking. Though the seed was planted in her heart in 2011, the movement gained momentum as a dynamic non-partisan force committed to reshaping the narrative of access and opportunity, advocating for the fundamental belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity, deserves an equal seat at the proverbial table. To learn more about the movement, please visit teampino.us
In addition to her advocacy and political achievements, Rosemary Pino has been an active member of various community organizations. She has served as a member of the Red Hat Angels/Relay for Life, lending her support to cancer research and awareness efforts. Pino is also a member of the Clifton-Garfield Elks Lodge No. 1569 since 2018 and Clifton Moose Lodge since 2023, contributing to their charitable endeavors.
Furthermore, she volunteers on the board of the Theater League of Clifton (TLC) and serves as President of the PTO for her home school #4.
In addition to being heavily involved in her community, Pino was also a member of the District XI Ethics Committee and is the former co-chair of Passaic County Foster and Adoptive Services.
Rosemary Pino's leadership journey continued to flourish as she served as a Commissioner on the Clifton Board of Education, working tirelessly to ensure the city provided students with a top-notch education while remaining fiscally responsible. During her two terms on the board, including a tenure as Vice President, significant milestones were achieved. Notable accomplishments include investing over $8 million in capital improvements, allocating more than $3 million for children's safety, and ensuring the school budget remained under the 2% tax cap.
In 2018, Rosemary Pino made history, once again, by becoming the first minority elected to public office in Clifton when she won her council seat, breaking glass ceilings and paving the way for diverse representation. Her re-election in 2022 further solidified her dedication to serving her community and advancing its interests.
Transitioning to municipal governance, Councilwoman Pino continued her advocacy for her community and small businesses. She played a pivotal role in researching the potential tax revenue from the cannabis manufacturing industry, demonstrating her forward-thinking approach to economic development.
In her groundbreaking first term as Councilwoman, Pino collaborated with colleagues to shape changes to the Roche development and supported the approval of the city's first transit village at the former Black Prince Distillery property. Her commitment to progress and innovation has reshaped the city's growth and development.
During her dedication to municipal governance, Councilwoman Pino also actively engages in community-building initiatives that empower and unite underrepresented voices, exemplified by her founding of the Latino Leaders of Clifton.
Rosemary Pino is not only the founder of the Latino Leaders of Clifton but also serves as the Executive Director and sits on the Board of Trustees. This 501(c)4 social welfare organization is dedicated to empowering and uniting the Latino community, with Pino at the forefront of its efforts.
In 2023, the PINO movement, standing for Providing Individuals New Opportunities, was officially cemented, following Councilwoman Rosemary Pino's philosophy of giving as much as taking. Though the seed was planted in her heart in 2011, the movement gained momentum as a dynamic non-partisan force committed to reshaping the narrative of access and opportunity, advocating for the fundamental belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity, deserves an equal seat at the proverbial table. To learn more about the movement, please visit teampino.us.
In addition to her advocacy and political achievements, Rosemary Pino has been an active member of various community organizations. She has served as a member of the Red Hat Angels/Relay for Life, lending her support to cancer research and awareness efforts. Pino is also a member of the Clifton-Garfield Elks Lodge No. 1569 since 2018 and Clifton Moose Lodge since 2023, contributing to their charitable endeavors.
Furthermore, she volunteers on the board of the Theater League of Clifton (TLC) and serves as President of the PTO for her home school #4.
In addition to being heavily involved in her community, Pino was also a member of the District XI Ethics Committee and is the former co-chair of Passaic County Foster and Adoptive Services.
Rosemary Pino is not only a dedicated Councilwoman but also a multifaceted individual with a passion for community empowerment, family values, and a bustling household.
Beyond her political responsibilities, she serves as an instructor at St. Paul’s
CDC and 32BJ, teaching essential courses like Adult Basic Education, ESL,
GED, and Microsoft Office Systems to adult learners.
Additionally, Rosemary cherishes her role as a spouse, sharing her life with her husband Eric Oliver, a skilled plumber, and their eleven children in their vibrant, diverse and blended family.
Known for her willingness to engage with diverse perspectives, Rosemary embodies the spirit of collaboration and inclusivity in all aspects of her life.
I, Councilwoman Rosemary Pino, have proudly served the residents of Clifton since 2014.
I was the first Latina elected to public office in the City of Clifton as Commissioner on the Board of Education and then again in 2018 when I was the first member of an Ethnic minority group to be elected to the Clifton City Council.
Why Do I Tell You This?
I’m not afraid to push for what I believe in.
I break barriers and get things done.
I will represent and follow through.
I, Councilwoman Rosemary Pino, have proudly served the residents of Clifton since 2014.
I was the first Latina elected to public office in the City of Clifton as Commissioner on the Board of Education and then again in 2018 when I was the first member of an Ethnic minority group to be elected to the Clifton City Council.
Why Do I Tell You This?
I’m not afraid to push for what I believe in.
I break barriers and get things done.
I will represent and follow through.