Annual Dinner Meeting

& Education Day

The Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns' 57th Annual Dinner and Education Day was a success! On September 18th municipal CEOs and staff came together from all corners of the state to connect, collaborate, learn from industry experts and discuss the most pressing challenges facing our communities.

Guests heard from Brittney Kohler, Legislative Director of Transportation and Infrastructure at the National League of Cities, about the current state of infrastructure funding and how the National League of Cities serves as a resource for municipal governments. Mitch Thompson, Director of Digital Growth for CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, offered insights on the practical applications of automation in streamlining municipal operations. Kendra Rosa, Business Development Specialist at Fulcrum Energy Solutions, shared the best ways communities can streamline energy projects and meet their efficiency goals.

House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian, House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale and Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz attended and shared the value of working together—across party lines and levels of government—to get things done for our municipal communities.

This year, we were proud to award the Daniel Beardsley Excellence in Municipal Government Award to three exceptional municipal employees. From North Smithfield, Town Planner Mark Carruolo has streamlined regulations, re-written ordinances, and facilitated quality projects throughout the community. Mark shows great respect for residents and fellow staff members and maintains a smile even on the most challenging of days. From North Providence, G. Richard (Dick) Fossa after a stunning 53 years of public service. Serving as mayor, president of the town council, a member of the school board, and Mayor Lombardi’s chief of staff, Dick’s contributions are innumerable but include replacing and repairing various education buildings, including modernizing the high school with new facilities. Dick exemplifies the very best of public leadership. From East Providence, Chief of Staff Patricia Resende serves as the “right hand woman” to Mayor Bob DaSilva. In spearheading the city’s website overhaul, launching the budget portal, creating a public access show and launching a city newsletter, Patricia has improved transparency and made it easier than ever for residents to utilize city resources. Her leadership is instrumental to the people of East Providence.

Thank you to our members, presenters, sponsors and special guests for making this year's event a meaningful opportunity for communities to prepare for the year ahead. We're stronger together!