The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce South Central would like to share its heartfelt condolences with the family of Jole Santelli (above), beloved president of the region of Calabria. She passed away last night at home in Cosenza. According to media reports, the cause of death was a heart attack. She had been battling cancer for some time but her passing was nonetheless unexpected. She would have been 52 in December.
After obtaining her law degree in Rome, Santelli worked as a lawyer until becoming a government official.
She served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and as undersecretary at the Ministry of Justice. She also worked as undersecretary at the Ministry of Labor before becoming the deputy mayor of Cosenza and then, with the 2019 election, the region president.
The IACC had the great pleasure and honor of working closely with President Santelli’s office. Her tireless efforts in promoting Calabria and Calabrian companies abroad were instrumental in introducing Americans to the region’s myriad treasures — culinary and otherwise.
She was one of Italy’s most respected politicians and a leading advocate for Italian companies abroad. She will be greatly missed by all those, like us, who had the opportunity to work with her. We look forward to our continued partnership with the region of Calabria as we honor her legacy and distinguished career as a public servant.
Image via the Jole Santelli 2020 Facebook.
