Celebrating the Continued Service of Our Poet Laureate

As County Executive, I am proud to share that Rockland County has extended the term of our Poet Laureate, Juan Pablo Mobili, in recognition of the extraordinary work he has done in his first year serving our community.

Juan has gone above and beyond in a role that is, aside from a modest stipend, largely voluntary. In 2025, Juan participated in 35 events in addition to attending nearly 50 meetings across Rockland County, bringing poetry into schools, libraries, cultural spaces, and public gatherings throughout our communities.

From the moment he was appointed, he embraced this responsibility with passion, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to making poetry accessible and meaningful for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a Rockland County resident since 1988, Juan brings a rich and deeply personal perspective to this role. His diverse cultural heritage and lifelong love of language shine through in both his poetry and his public engagement. Raised by parents who valued education and creativity—a mother who served as a school principal and a father who was both a poet and public servant—Juan grew up with a profound understanding of how words can foster self-discovery, promote compassion, and inspire meaningful connection.

The Poet Laureate program, a collaboration between the County of Rockland and the Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR), was created to highlight the importance of the literary arts within our cultural landscape. As Poet Laureate, Juan has truly embodied the spirit of this program, serving as an ambassador for poetry and engaging residents through readings, civic events, and educational initiatives that celebrate the diverse voices that make Rockland County such a vibrant place to live.

As Juan himself has said, “Language is the foundation of dialogue and understanding, a bridge that allows us to learn about each other. Poetry is one of the most profound uses of language—a way to express ourselves, connect deeply with others, and explore the beauty and complexity of life.”

I firmly believe that the arts are not a luxury, but a vital part of strong, healthy communities. Through Juan’s continued leadership as Poet Laureate, I am confident that poetry will continue to flourish in new and meaningful ways throughout Rockland County. His vision for this role aligns perfectly with our commitment to nurturing a thriving cultural environment where every resident can find inspiration and connection.

I encourage all residents to attend the events and programs Juan Pablo Mobili will continue to lead as our Poet Laureate and to experience firsthand the power of poetry to inspire, unite, and elevate our community.

Congratulations to Juan on this well-deserved extension. I look forward to the continued impact of his work and to the many voices he will uplift during his extended tenure as Rockland County’s Poet Laureate.