Economist by training, Rossella Tarantino has been specialised in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies, with the focus on culture, urban regeneration and social innovation. At present, she is a member of the selection and monitoring panel of the European Capitals of Culture action.

She was part of Matera 2019 European Capital of Culture since its start in 2010, designing the bidding strategy and the process of reimagining the city, guiding it through its eventful year. As Director, she coordinated the monitoring and evaluation activities and prepared the legacy plan. She developed and produced the pillar projects of the cultural programme; designed the citizens involvement strategy; took care of the international relations. 

From 2002 to 2013, she worked in the Public Investment Evaluation Unit of Basilicata Region, drafting the Regional Strategic Plans (i. e. the Annual Economic and Financial Programmes), designing and delivering the 5-year local development programmes empowered by culture (Visioni Urbane, Arte Pollino) and conducting evaluation reports on policies and projects. 

In her previous professional life, she worked in Brussels and gained experience in running and assessing transnational programmes with the third countries (India, Mediterranean countries) promoting cooperation in culture and education. She was a member of several selection panels of EC projects in the media and cultural sectors. European committed, she had the privilege of being one of the first Erasmus students (1988 University of Louvain-la-Neuve).