Robert Velez

Municipal Vice-Chair

Rob Velez has lived in Camden County most of his life but has called Collingswood home for over 20 years.  Having traveled extensively, he can honestly say that there’s no place like home and is happy to be raising a family here.   

Son of a Union Ironworker, Rob grew up learning the delicate balance of politics and the economy and how it relates to the standard of living for blue collar workers.  Huge infrastructure projects kept food on the table; his dad worked on everything from roads to bridges, power plants and shipyards, and many of the skyscrapers in Philadelphia. 

Rob’s political view is based on coming from a working family. He believes that America benefits when its working class is thriving; providing the engine of labor that creates a strong economy which helps promote social justice, overall well-being, and reduces inequality. In short, America wins when it invests in its people. 

Unsure about becoming an Ironworker himself, Rob enlisted in the Marines.  A short time later, he found himself dug-in under the blazing Arabian sun, receiving lessons in geopolitics and the importance of hydration. After serving he was able to use his G.I. Bill which helped him become a Systems Tech with Lockheed Martin, working on classified systems in military installations all over the country. He later shifted to higher ed and has now worked at Temple University for over 20 years. Rob currently serves as the Director of Information Technology for the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication, leading a brilliant team that provides technology solutions serving the next generation of journalists, broadcasters, and communicators. 

Rob started his journey to Collingswood years ago by purchasing an old duplex in town, where he learned the never-ending joys of DIY home repair. The home was originally purchased as a rental investment, but he loved the neighborhood and became determined to stay. It was a fortuitous decision, as Collingswood’s progress has exceeded all expectations. Today that 2-unit property is the perfect home for his wife, Adriana, daughter, Karina, and widowed father, Fred.  There’s never a dull moment with three generations under the same roof.  

Having a daughter at Tatem Elementary, there’s always something to attend within the community.  It’s amazing how many people you meet once when you have a child in the school system.  He also has served on the Democratic Committee for 4 years and is currently the Vice Chair.   

Outside of local issues, Rob is particularly concerned about how America is pulling away from traditional allies, closing itself off globally as it trends towards nationalism.  With a wife from Romania who was raised during the time of a brutal dictator you can imagine the feelings and discussions being had about the current state of our union.