President Luis Abinader appointed an expert in quality processes to the Passports Agency by Decree 314-24. The new director is Lorenzo David Ramírez Uribe.
Ramirez Uribe had been working since 2020 at the Instituto Dominicano para la Calidad (Indocal), but previously he was employed in quality processes in the private sector.
The appointment puts an end to the numerous criticisms the agency had been receiving under the past two directors for irregularities and inefficiencies.
Ramirez is an industrial engineer who has post-graduate studies in product and quality management from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (Intec).
The Presidency reports Ramirez is an expert in quality management systems and in the CAPA system for corrective and preventive actions. He is an expert in Lean Manufacturing, a philosophy aimed at optimizing and improving the production process.
Ramirez will be leading the tender to choose the provider for the electronic passports of the Dominican Republic. The agency under Reynoso had announced the passports would be available as of February 2025, with the tender happening now.
On his X account, Ramirez said he accepts the challenge of the new position with the commitment to improve the processes and services of the agency to deliver quality services to citizens.
On Ramirez Linkedin page, he describes himself as:
Highly accomplished Industrial Engineer with over a decade of experience in regulated medical device manufacturing environments. Proven expertise in driving productivity and quality improvements, implementing Lean manufacturing principles, and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standards.
Key Qualifications:
• ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor (Certificate No. 33357): Possess in-depth knowledge of ISO 9001 requirements and conduct comprehensive audits to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) – American Society for Quality (ASQ) #40438: Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality principles and possess the expertise to evaluate and enhance quality management systems.
• Over 10 Years of Experience in Regulated Medical Device Manufacturing: Proven track record of success in managing and optimizing manufacturing processes to meet stringent regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Productivity and Quality Management Expertise: Adept at implementing strategies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall quality performance.
• Project Management Experience: Effectively manage and execute complex projects, ensuring timely completion within budget and quality constraints.
• Lean Manufacturing Specialist: Proficient in Lean manufacturing principles and methodologies, including Six Sigma and Kanban, to streamline processes and eliminate waste.
• Six Sigma Green Belt: Certified Six Sigma Green Belt, demonstrating the ability to apply statistical tools and problem-solving techniques to identify and eliminate defects.
• Accustomed to CAPA System Implementation: Expert in implementing and managing Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) systems to address non-conformities and prevent recurrence.
• Experience with International Regulatory Audits: Successfully participated in audits conducted by international organizations such as TUV and FDA.
• Small Business Consulting Expertise: Provide consulting services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the implementation of quality management systems and preparation for ISO certification.
On the Linkedin website, he also expresses that he was seeking a challenging role in a dynamic organization where he could leverage his expertise in quality management, Lean manufacturing, and project management to drive continuous improvement and achieve operational excellence.
Before taking the position at the Passports Agency, Ramirez had worked as director of Indocal (September 2020 to June 2024), business development and lead auditor at Intertek Latinoamérica (2016-2018); consultant manager at Jag Quality Systems (2013-2016), manufacturing manager at Edwards Lifesciences (2006-2013), and quality engineer at Power One (ABB) (2003-2006).
Digna Reynoso, the removed director, was named to the position of executive director of the Consejo Nacional de Gestión Presidencial. The department falls under the Presidency and is not well known. Reynoso is the wife of the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Alfredo Pacheco, who won his bid for another term in the legislature.
Reynoso had been named to the position on 23 January 2023, replacing Néstor Julio Cruz Pichardo, whose management also was marked by multiple criticisms. Cruz Pichardo was sent to Panama as consul.
Read more in Spanish:
Presidency
Listin Diario
10 June 2024