Roberto Mejill Tellado has spent his life making numbers work for people. From municipal finance to consulting, his career is all about balancing budgets, managing taxes, and improving government efficiency.
But behind the spreadsheets and reports is a man who believes in service, learning, and community.
“I’ve always seen finance as more than numbers,” Roberto says. “It’s about making sure resources go where they are needed most.”
A Passion for Learning
Roberto was born and raised in Guánica, Puerto Rico. As a child, he loved baseball and books. When he wasn’t on the field, he was reading—soaking up knowledge about history, economics, and government.
“My parents always told me education would open doors,” he recalls. “They were right.”
That mindset took him to Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San Germán Campus, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Economics in 1988. He graduated cum laude, a sign of his dedication to his studies. But he didn’t stop there.
“I knew finance was my path,” he says. “So, I went back for my MBA.”
In 1992, he completed his MBA in Finance, building a foundation for his future career in public administration. Years later, he also earned a Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential (2019-2024), showing his continued commitment to learning.
A Career in Public Finance
Right after earning his MBA, Roberto put his skills to work in local government. He became the Director of Finance for the Municipality of Guayanilla from 1989 to 1992. It was a role that taught him how financial management impacts everyday life.
“Managing a city’s budget is like running a household,” he explains. “You have to be careful with spending and make sure every dollar counts.”
His success in Guayanilla led him to a bigger stage. From 1993 to 2000, he served in the Puerto Rico Senate for Municipal Affairs. This role allowed him to bridge the gap between local and state governments, helping municipalities get the funding and support they needed.
“I wanted to make the system work better,” Roberto says. “Cities need clear rules, good budgeting, and financial stability. That’s what I worked on.”
Building His Own Consulting Firm
In 2001, Roberto took a big step—he started his own business. He founded RWM Consultants Inc., a firm focused on municipal finance consulting. His team advises cities and towns on budgeting, sales tax, property tax, and municipal accounting.
“The financial challenges for cities never stop,” he says. “My goal is to help local governments stay strong and financially healthy.”
Running his own company gave him the freedom to work directly with municipalities. He could apply his experience to solve real problems.
Then, in 2015, he expanded into real estate by founding RWM Real Property Inc. This company focuses on property management and investment.
“I saw an opportunity to help in another way,” Roberto explains. “Real estate and public finance are connected. Cities grow when people have homes and businesses.”
Balancing Work and Life
Despite his busy schedule, Roberto makes time for his passions. He still follows baseball closely and reads whenever he can. He’s also an active church member, believing faith and service go hand in hand.
“Life is about balance,” he says. “Work is important, but so are family, faith, and giving back.”
Looking back, Roberto feels grateful for his journey. From a small town in Puerto Rico to running his own consulting firm in Florida, he has stayed true to his mission: helping communities manage their finances wisely.
“My work isn’t about making headlines,” he says. “It’s about making a difference.”
That difference is felt in every city he advises, every budget he helps balance, and every leader he mentors. For Roberto Mejill Tellado, finance is not just a career—it’s a way to serve.
Read more:
Bridging Finance and Public Service: The Journey of Roberto Mejill Tellado
