PBN May 27, 2022

PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS

PBN pbn.com

MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022

FOCUS: SPECIAL SECTION

PBN’s 2022 Business Women Awards

VETERANS IN THE WORKPLACE More firms tapping into ranks of ex-military | 18

YOUR SOURCE FOR BUSINESS NEWS IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND | VOL. 37, NO. 2 | $5

‘A POWERFUL STORY’

Will bar exam undergo more change in the future?

MEET THE

BY JACQUELYN VOGHEL | Voghel@PBN.com

NEW GUARD:

A YEAR AFTER Rhode Island lowered its passing score for the bar examination, the effect on pass rates remains murky.

In March 2021, the R.I. Supreme Court voted 4-1 to lower the state bar exam passing score from 276 to 270, which retroactively applied to exams taken in February of that year. With the change, Rhode Island stepped into line with the rest of New England, as well as most of the U.S., according to leaders at local law schools.

IN HIGHER EDUCATION

FOCUS: LAW REVIEW

Fuller says UMass Dartmouth’s capabilities can aid regional economy

BY JACQUELYN VOGHEL | Voghel@PBN.com

(Editor’s note: This is the sixth installment in an occasional series of interviews with the region’s new wave of higher education leaders.)

SEE BAR PAGE 22

MARK GETTING AN EDUCATION: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Chancellor Mark Fuller acknowledges he didn’t know too much about UMass Dartmouth when he was serving as dean of the UMass business school in Amherst. More than a year after taking the chancellor position, he knows much more.

Fuller acknowledges the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth isn’t big, particularly when compared with the state university system’s flagship Amherst campus in western Massachusetts.

In fact, the UMass Dartmouth chancellor sees its size as a big plus.

“We are one of the smallest public research institutions in the country,” Fuller said of the Dartmouth campus of more than 7,000 students. “And I think that creates an intimacy that’s a little different from some of our partners” in the UMass system.

SEE FULLER PAGE 12

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

BESTPLACES TO

WORK★RI 2022 AWARDS

ONE LAST THING

Listen to find consensus Rep. David N. Cicilline, D-R.I. | 31

The party is back!

Bring your company spirit!

JUNE 8, 2022. See page 23 for details.

Only a few tickets left!

CONTENTS

PBN

COVER STORY A POWERFUL STORY Fuller says UMass Dartmouth’s capabilities can aid regional economy.................................................... 1

400 Westminster St. Providence, RI 02903

FOR STARTERS Who’s on the Board? Progreso Latino................................3 5Q: Silas Pinto......................................................................4 Dining Out: Winning dish now on menu.............................5 Spotlight: Aardvark Antiques Inc........................................ 6 Something New: Dash Running LLC.................................. 6 Hot Topic: Business accepts R.I. cannabis act...................7 Business Women: Lab partnership could boost Lifespan’s stature................ 8 Another Look: With CEO set to leave, Care New England at crossroads. 9 What’s Happening...............................................................10

Main Phone: 401-273-2201 Subscription Services: 855-813-5805 President & Publisher: Roger C. Bergenheim 680-4848 | Publisher@PBN.com

ADVERTISING

Advertising@PBN.com | Fax: 401-274-0270

In just 4 years, effects of sports betting widespread...... 25

Director of Sales and Marketing: Annemarie Brisson 680-4800 | Brisson@PBN.com

IT’S PERSONAL

Marketing and Events Manager: Donna Rofino, 680-4832 | Rofino@PBN.com

SOMETHING NEW | 6

People in the News............................................................ 26 Mackay’s Moral...................................................................27 Guest Column: John C. Ayers........................................... 28 Editorials and Opinion....................................................... 29 One Last Thing: David N. Cicilline.................................... 31

Marketing, Events & Social Media Coordinator: Tracy Hoyt, 680-4818 | Hoyt@PBN.com Senior Account Managers: Linda Foster, 680-4812 | Foster@PBN.com Jim Hanrahan 680-4816 | Hanrahan@PBN.com

FOCUS: LAW REVIEW

Will bar exam undergo more change in the future?

Noreen Murray 680-4801 | Murray@PBN.com

A year after the R.I. Supreme Court lowered the bar exam passing score, some in the profession are calling for more reform, including legal writing or oral components.............. 1

Advertising Coordinator: Joyce Rylander 680-4810 | Production@PBN.com

Crypto can complicate trust, estate planning

EDITORIAL

HEALTH MATTERS | 8

As more people get involved in the cryptocurrency market, estate planners are urging their clients to have a plan in place for transferring those digital assets to their beneficiaries.............................................. 20

Editor@PBN.com | Fax: 401-274-0670 Editor: Michael Mello 680-4820 | Mello@PBN.com

FOCUS: VETERANS IN THE WORKPLACE

Managing Editor: William Hamilton 680-4826 | Hamilton@PBN.com

Transition to civilian jobs aided by R.I. alliance

Web Editor: Chip LeClerc, 680-4886 | LeClerc@PBN.com

The Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance puts an emphasis on helping veterans land internships and jobs through its workforce development program.... 16

Copy Editor: Matt Bower, 680-4824 | Bower@PBN.com Special Projects Editor/Researcher: James Bessette 680-4838 | Bessette@PBN.com

More firms tapping into ranks of ex-military As more employees quit or don’t show up to work, companies are turning to a more reliable resource such as veterans to fill gaps and open positions in their workforces.............................................. 18

(EDUCATION, NONPROFITS)

FOCUS: LAW REVIEW | 20

Lists Veteran Employers.............................................................. 19 Intellectual Property Lawyers.............................................24

6 8 8 9 9 18 16 26 6 20 5 16 7 5 9 14 8, 9 16

WHAT’S HAPPENING? SUBMIT YOUR NEWS AT PBN.COM/PBNCONNECT/

(HEALTH CARE, GOVERNMENT, REAL ESTATE/DEVELOPMENT)

Nancy Lavin 680-4822 | Lavin@PBN.com (CITY GOVERNMENT, ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES)

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED COMPANIES Aardvark Antiques Inc. Brown Surgical Associates Brown University Butler Hospital Care New England Health System Citizens Bank Community College of Rhode Island Crossroads Rhode Island Dash Running LLC Day Pitney LLP Exeter Job Corps Academy General Dynamics Electric Boat Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Gregg’s Restaurants and Taverns Kent County Memorial Hospital L3 OceanServer Inc. Lifespan Corp.

MS Solutions LLC

Staff Writers: Marc Larocque 680-4830 | Larocque@PBN.com

Newport Area Career and Technical Center Raytheon Technologies Corp.

Rhode Island Hospitality Association Rhode Island Laborers District Council Rhode Island Manufacturers Association Rhode Island Society of Human Resources Management R.I. Commerce Corp.

R.I. Department of Labor and Training R.I. Judiciary Roger Williams University Service Employees International Union 1199NE Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance Textron Inc. Tri-Mack Plastics Manufacturing Corp.

United Nurses & Allied Professionals University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Women & Infants Hospital

www.facebook.com/providencebusinessnews @provbusnews

16 16 5 7 7 18 16 16, 18 22 22 9 16 26 18 9 1 9

Jacquelyn Voghel 680-4828 | Voghel@PBN.com (WORKFORCE, MANUFACTURING, ENTREPRENEURSHIP)

PRODUCTION

Production Director: Anne Ewing, 680-4860 | Ewing@PBN.com Graphic Designer: Lisa Harris, 680-4868 | Lharris@PBN.com

CIRCULATION

PBN@cambeywest.com | 1-855-813-5805

ADMINISTRATION

Fax: 401-274-6580 Business Manager: Tammy D’Antuono 680-4840 | Dantuono@PBN.com ©2022 Providence Business News Inc.

Providence Business News is published every two weeks by Providence Business News, 400 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903 (USPS 002-254) (ISSN 0887-8226) Periodical postage paid at Providence, R.I.

www.linkedin.com/company/providence-business-news

2 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to 400 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903.

FOR STARTERS

WHO’S ON THE BOARD? Top executive: Mario Bueno, executive director

OVERHEARD

Year founded: 1977 Mission statement: Progreso Latino’s mission is to help Rhode Island’s Latino and immigrant communities to achieve greater self-sufficiency and socioeconomic progress by providing transformational programs that support personal growth and social change.

2020 revenue: $3.6 million

BOARD MEMBERS: Liz Goodermote, board president

Christine Chiacu-Forsythe

Business rental sales manager Enterprise Holdings Inc.

Early education technical assistance consultant

Katie Nee, board vice president Attorney Nee Law LLC

Rafael Yepez, board treasurer Vice president and portfolio manager Citizens Financial Group Inc.

Dorca Paulino, board secretary Diversity director R.I. Supreme Court

Nazik Fernandes Director of finance Meeting Street

PBN PHOTO/DAVID HANSEN

Jorge Mejia Director of finance International Charter School

Stefan Petrella Assistant vice president and director of business development and marketing Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc.

Edward Tavares Vice president, performance improvement consultant Bank of America Corp.

‘SENEDIA is good at being able to translate those military skills into soft skills.’

CAMY R. RUCK, U.S. Navy veteran Page 16

dedicated relationship managers, trusted business partners, experienced commercial bankers, and committed to serve with integrity and trust.

We are Bank Rhode Island Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

NMLS #410623

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 3

FOR STARTERS 5Q: Silas Pinto Director of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for the city of Providence

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

1

Diversity can mean different things to different people. How would you define it?

Diversity can mean so many things, but at the core it is about individuals feeling visible and reflected throughout. It is about acknowledging the wealth of variability in experiences and thought.

What excites me most about my role within this new department is that we can go beyond what we might typically consider when we think of diversity initiatives. We’ll be focusing on creating meaningful, inclusive practices that are designed to ensure that the places and spaces in our city aren’t just diverse but that everyone feels a deep sense of belonging and acceptance here.

2

What have you learned from your work in education and psychology, including at Tufts University’s diversity and inclusion leadership graduate program, that you hope to take to this new role?

I have learned that very little can be accomplished working in silos. We need everyone at the table in this collaborative process, including partners from pre-K to grade 12, higher education, corporate and nonprofit sectors. I will continue with the spirit of first seeking to understand before seeking to be understood and engage in active listening in order to build true community care.

3 PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

How does your work fit in with Mayor Jorge O. Elorza’s racial reparations program?

The Providence Municipal Reparations Commission will drive the city’s repa-

ration work, and we look forward to receiving their recommendations. The diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging department will be a resource and support as the city works to implement its strategy based on the commission’s recommendations.

4

How can the city improve on its commitment to diversity and equity?

The city has made incredible strides in centering diversity and equity. I think this is especially evident in how the reparations process has unfolded, as well as the city’s Climate Justice Plan.

Although I am a longtime resident of the city ... I am still learning about the needs of the city and our residents through the lens of my new position. I want our priority areas to be driven by those needs.

5

What do you see as the biggest roadblocks to achieving equality in the city and generally?

I think it is critical that we hear from and engage directly with the community about the needs and where they see the greatest opportunities to make positive impacts on our city so that the interests of all parties are reflected in the plans from the onset. n

The city has made incredible strides in centering diversity and equity.

Summer 2022:

THE POWER LUNCH STRIKES BACK! Promote your Restaurant in PBN’s 6/24 issue!

Profile your lunch specials, outdoor dining, summer menus and/or rooftop to the local business community.

PBN is offering discounted rates to Restaurants and will design your ad!

DEADLINE IS JUNE 15.

Contact Noreen Murray | 401.680.4801 | Murray@PBN.com 4 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

FOR STARTERS DINING OUT | BRUCE NEWBURY

Winning dish now on menu A FEW YEARS AGO, I had the privilege of serving as a judge for the Rhode Island Hospitality Association Education Foundation’s statewide culinary competition.

The local tournament is a qualifier for the National Restaurant Association high school competition known as ProStart. The National ProStart Invitational is the country’s premier secondary school competition focused on restaurant management and culinary arts.

Annually, nearly 400 student competitors put their skills to the test in front of industry leaders with hopes of earning coveted scholarships from the nation’s best culinary and restaurant management programs.

In Rhode Island, the annual event – known formally as the Rhode Island ProStart High School Culinary Arts, Foodservice and Hotel Management Competition – brings together the state’s top high school culinary students to compete in three categories: culinary, restaurant management and hotel management.

I think the level of expertise shown by these students would be an asset to any restaurant or hospitality company’s operation. And one of the leading restaurants in the state agrees. Gregg’s Restaurants and Taverns has now put on its menus the winning dish from this year’s contest, which was held in April.

The dish comes from a team of four students at the Exeter Job Corps Academy. Under the direction of chef Mark Bennison, who has led winning teams at the competition multiple times, students Sabina Ulysse, Jacquline Ambler, Isabel

THE WINNERS: Steve Trabucco, left, director of kitchen operations at Gregg’s Restaurants and Taverns, and Dale J. Venturini, right, CEO and president of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, pose with the winners of the Rhode Island ProStart High School culinary arts competition. From left are Exeter Job Corps Academy students Sabina Ulysse, Jacquline Ambler, Isabel Uzosike and Kiant’e Warren.

COURTESY GREGG’S RESTAURANTS AND TAVERNS

Uzosike, and Kiant’e Warren won the culinary portion of the Rhode Island competition this year. Their dish featured a full rack of lamb that was “Frenched” – cut into small chops or lamb “lollipops.” These were then grilled with rosemary, thyme, Dijonpistachio encrusted and served with wild mushroom risotto topped with sautéed vegetables.

Chef Steve Trabucco, director of kitchen operations at Gregg’s, modified the dish to feature it on the restaurant’s seasonal menu. For $22.99,

guests can enjoy “The Winning Dish”: four pieces of bone-in lamb rack with a Dijon mustard and a pistachio, panko, thyme and rosemary crust, served with asparagus, mashed potatoes, and soup or salad.

“Gregg’s is proud to support Rhode Island’s ProStart division and the students at Exeter Job Corps Academy,” said Trabucco, who also served as a judge at this year’s competition.

“Featuring ‘The Winning Dish’ on our menu is our way of acknowledging and rewarding the hard work

of the culinary team at Exeter Job Corps Academy and brings their combined vision to life.”

Dale J. Venturini, CEO and president of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association and the association’s education foundation, said she was “thrilled” by Gregg’s support of the “industry’s up-and-coming talent.”

“These students will never forget the feeling of seeing their dish come to life and served to their family, friends and neighbors,” Venturini said.

In early May, the Exeter Job Corps students represented Rhode Island and competed for $250,000 in scholarships at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s National ProStart Invitational competition in Washington, D.C. A team from Caesar Rodney High School in Camden, Del., won.

Trabucco says some of the team members have visited Gregg’s with family members to sample “The Winning Dish,” and the reviews from the creators have been positive. He had high praise for the young chefs and told me he would not hesitate to hire any of them. With staffing challenges still at the forefront as the summer season begins, perhaps this is the beginning of a “farm team” approach to attracting and maintaining a high level of creative cooks in the state’s restaurant kitchens. n Bruce Newbury’s radio show and podcast, “Dining Out with Bruce Newbury,” is broadcast on WADK 1540 AM and several radio stations throughout New England. Email him at Bruce@BruceNewbury.com.

LOS ANGELES Coast to coast nonstop service from PVD on Breeze Airways.

PVDairport.com www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 5

FOR STARTERS SOMETHING NEW

SPOTLIGHT

NEW SHOES: Joshua Swift, left, and David Maceroni, in their East Providence warehouse where they receive and ship out shoes for their new company, Dash Running LLC. PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

A swift entry into shoe sales

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

JOSHUA SWIFT is his own target audience: a recreational runner sick of paying too much for fancy running shoes from brand-name companies.

And he figured he wasn’t the only one. So Swift and business partner David Maceroni created their own shoe company. Dash Running LLC started selling a single product – a unisex running shoe for $70 – in April.

Swift, who works full time as a supply chain director for a local manufacturer, capitalized on his industry expertise to bring the direct-to-consumer model to his new venture. Dash’s shoes avoid the markups associated with traditional brand-name footwear by working directly with manufacturers in China, which ship the finished product back to a warehouse in East Providence, no middleman required.

The simplicity cuts unnecessary expenses and creates some financial flexibility for the company to fulfill its philanthropic goals. For every nine pairs of shoes sold, Dash donates a pair to a Boston youth mentorship and running program called Sole Train Boston.

Swift is considering a second shoe design and more sizes, but otherwise has no plans to expand. There is also no physical storefront – shoes are sold online and at certain race events in the state. n

CURIOUS COLLECTOR: Aardvark Antiques Inc. owner Arthur Grover, center, loves the thrill of the hunt for rare or unique items. Grover is pictured with his sons, Rocco Grover Silvestri, right, and Jay Grover Silvestri, general manager, at the Newport business.

PBN PHOTO/DAVID HANSEN

On hunt for hidden gems Antique shop features restoration arm

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

ARTHUR GROVER loves the chase. Whether it was combing through the Cranston dump as a teenager or now traveling to Dubai and Thailand to buy antiques for his business, Grover lives for the thrill of uncovering a hidden gem.

“If you like it, you buy it and someone else will like it and it becomes a trend,” Grover said.

That philosophy has carried him through more than 50 years in business as owner of Aardvark Antiques Inc. From million-dollar stone fountains to $12 trinkets, the Newport business caters to a variety of tastes and wallets. Teeth-bearing bronze hippos share space with mahogany dressers. There are local, Gilded Age-era heirlooms from Newport mansions and Asian imports from Grover’s globetrotting expeditions.

Among his favorites: a stone fountain displayed at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, which he bought from a Providence homeowner 35 years ago.

He won’t sell it, instead preferring to keep the 1,000-pound giant on display just to admire it.

When talking about another beloved piece, a 1930s art deco stone sculpture known as Song of Love, he refers to it with “she” pronouns.

While the higher-end pieces demand prices only wealthy collectors or museums with large endowments

can afford, Aardvark Antiques caters to more than the elite preservation crowd. Seasonal tourists can just as easily find an affordable set of local glassware within the 30,000-square-foot showroom, while antique furniture is coming back into vogue among homeowners thanks to the supply chain aggravating bigger-brand commercial furniture outlets.

“People can’t get Ikea furniture anymore,” said Jay Grover Silvestri, Grover’s son and the business’s general manager. “All the antique dressers and bedroom sets that no one used to be interested in, that stuff is back.”

Both Jay and Grover’s older son, Rocco Grover Silvestri, work for the business, a partnership that has tested the patience of the self-proclaimed hot-blooded Italian family. But Rocco Grover Silvestri, who returned to work for the family operation at the beginning of the pandemic after a career in education, says they’ve figured out how to avoid those more “combustible” moments.

OWNER: Arthur Grover

LOCATION: 9 JT Connell Highway, Newport

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Antique buyer/ seller

6 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

EMPLOYEES: Nine

Their shared love for giving new life to forgotten treasures helps.

It’s an art that requires patience and a cool head, especially when it comes to the price. Antiques don’t come with a price sticker, requiring buyers and sellers to barter for a fair amount.

Aardvark has, for the most part, avoided the conflict that sometimes accompanies bargaining, which Jay Grover Silvestri credits to the value of its wares.

“My personal strategy is not to try too hard, let the piece sell itself,” he said.

The bigger sticker shock, as of late, is the cost to ship mammoth statues and heavy furniture, sometimes from overseas. Costs have gone up nearly 50% thanks to the fallout from the pandemic.

“The cost of shipping is making me not sleep at night,” said Jay Grover Silvestri.

Also a pain point: finding workers, particularly welders, with the skill needed to service the restoration arm of the business, which took off when Arthur Grover acquired a local welding company in 2009.

Restoration is one of his favorite parts of the job, and a key source of business for customers, including the Preservation Society of Newport County. n YEAR FOUNDED: 1969 ANNUAL REVENUE: $1.5 million

FOR STARTERS HOT TOPIC

Business accepts R.I. cannabis act

BY JACQUELYN VOGHEL | Voghel@PBN.com

AFTER YEARS OF FIGHTING against the legalization of recreational marijuana use, many Rhode Island business leaders say they’re now satisfied with parts of the new law that will allow employers to continue prohibiting use in the workplace.

The measure, quickly approved by lawmakers on May 24 and signed into law the following day, provides “a broad range of protections for employers, designed essentially to allow them to create workplace policies that they feel are suitable to their individual company,” said Laurie White, president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. “And that protects employers from having to make any accommodations for their use of recreational marijuana.”

Employers can continue to hire, fire or take disciplinary actions against employees due to cannabis use in the workplace, business leaders say.

Industry advocates in manufacturing, construction and other technical professions have been particularly active in pushing for employers to retain this power, which they say is essential to maintaining safe workplaces in high-risk professions.

As more states around the country legalize recreational marijuana – Rhode Island is the 19th state (including Massachusetts and Connecticut) – some advocates for workers have criticized continuing drug testing for marijuana, arguing that an employee could test positive for cannabis use that takes place outside of work hours.

Others have also noted that

continuing testing could scare away potential employees in fields that are already experiencing worker shortages.

Michael Sabitoni, business manager for the Rhode Island Laborers District Council, says current testing capabilities are limited to hiring decisions, determining whether an employee has used marijuana outside of work hours or is under the influence while on the job. State law prohibits random testing in other cases and the new law doesn’t change that, except where workplace safety is an issue.

The new law says employers can “implement policies which prohibit the use or consumption of cannabis within the [24-hour] period prior to

‘It looks like [legislators] have ... [addressed] many of our concerns.’

DAVID M. CHENEVERT, Rhode Island Manufacturers Association executive director

a scheduled work shift or assignment” for employees whose work is “hazardous, dangerous or essential to public welfare and safety.”

Sabitoni said he’d “rather err on the side of caution and the health, safety and well-being of the industry and workforce that we represent … than the rights of someone who feels that they’re being violated because they can’t have recreational marijuana and still work in a certain occupation.”

One potential gray area is that the law does not offer a standard for what constitutes being “under the influence” of marijuana in the workplace.

Sen. Joshua Miller, D-Cranston, told Providence Business News that such a standard under the law will be an issue for the employer and employee to resolve, much like alcohol use is now. “[Employers] navigate that every day,” he said.

The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association is still reviewing the new law. But Executive Director David M. Chenevert acknowledged that “it looks like [legislators] have ... [addressed] many of our concerns,” he said. n

Business Loans Our Commercial Lending Team is with you every step of the way!

Real Estate Equipment Lines of Credit l

l l l

Some fees and credit restrictions may apply. Loans subject to credit approval.

Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Lender.

401-729-5754

Easy access to experienced lenders Local decision making SBA Certified Lender

800-298-2212

Coastal1.org

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 7

FOR STARTERS | HEALTH MATTERS

Lab partnership could boost Lifespan’s stature

BY MARC LAROCQUE | Larocque@PBN.com

RHODE

Island’s largest hospital system is hoping that teaming up with a biotech company could help achieve a breakthrough in developing treatment options for liver and pancreatic tumors.

Lifespan Corp. says its new partnership with the Colorado-based TriSalus Life Sciences is more than just about providing space for a tenant to do lab research. It’s about advancing Lifespan’s stature as a cancer research institution and hopefully providing its patients with access to cutting-edge immunotherapeutic treatment that may be developed there, Lifespan says.

“We’re really excited by what this will mean in terms of improving health, creating jobs and putting us on the map in terms of research and innovation,” said Michael Henderson, vice president for research and chief research officer at Lifespan.

TriSalus recently occupied lab space in Lifespan’s Coro Building, located in Providence’s Jewelry District, giving the immunotherapy company clinical and research infrastructure. The arrangement has been in place for two months.

While dozens of research initiatives

are taking place at Lifespan, this is the first partnership of its kind between Lifespan and an outside biotech company, Henderson says.

“We’re bringing the innovation to the Innovation District by engaging with these partners from the industry,” Henderson said.

And for TriSalus, the arrangement also is not simply about getting a good deal on real estate. TriSalus said the arrangement will allow it to embed itself in the Lifespan research community, which is intertwined with the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, as the company works to develop a novel treatment method for notoriously difficult-totreat liver and pancreatic tumors using its unique drug delivery technology and an experimental drug called SD-101.

“We have no intention of being just tenants,” said Dr. Steven C. Katz, chief medical officer for TriSalus, who’s also a surgical oncologist at Brown Surgical Associates. “We’re looking to do this in a multifaceted way. We’re going to be participating in training and education.

We’re going to collaborate with members of the Lifespan community and other laboratories, both pre-clinically and with our clinical trials.”

LAB TALK: Jennie Liu, left, research scientist, and Jason LaPorte, senior research associate for TriSalus Life Sciences, discuss the TriNav infusion system that will be tested to deliver treatments for pancreatic and liver tumors as part of a partnership with Lifespan Corp.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

‘We’re bringing the innovation to the ... district by engaging with these partners.’

MICHAEL HENDERSON, Lifespan Corp. vice president for research and chief research officer 8 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

Katz said the partnership with Lifespan will be in place for at least the next two years, with the potential to go beyond that. The collaboration builds on the clinical and pre-clinical studies TriSalus has done at its clinical development office in Cranston to dismantle barriers to successfully treating liver and pancreatic tumors, namely the “intratumoral” pressure and tumor-induced immunosuppression that limit the effectiveness of treatments used for other tumors.

TriSalus has four employees working in the Coro Building, with another four at its clinical development office in Cranston that opened about two years ago.

“We’re also looking forward to bringing trainees or surgery residents into the lab to offer them educational and research opportunities to support their training, which is one of the elements that make a partnership like this mutually beneficial,” Katz said.

TriSalus technology allows an interventional radiologist to use a very long catheter placed in an artery in the patient’s groin or arm with a “dynamic valve” that the company calls the TriNav Infusion System, which opens and closes in sync with each heartbeat to optimize delivery pressure, driving more blood carrying the drug directly to the tumor.

“A lot of immunotherapy drugs aren’t safe to give to the whole body or don’t work well for these tumor types,” Katz said. “That’s why TriSalus is combining our delivery technology with the drug to get high concentrations within liver tumors and minimize the exposure to the rest of the body.”

The company now has two clinical trials at multiple sites across the country, both using the same drugs and TriNav technology, but one is for a rare form of cancer called uveal melanoma, which starts in the eye and spreads to the liver, and cholangiocarcinoma, which is a bile duct cancer that starts in the liver.

TriSalus trials taking place at Lifespan will involve treatment for cholangiocarcinoma, Katz says. TriSalus expects the trial to get underway sometime this summer, with about 40 patients receiving treatment in radiology suites at Lifespan.

“The early results are promising,” said Katz, referring to results from other sites. “We’re very optimistic, but it’s still relatively early in our clinical development program.”

Henderson says the partnership could lead to other partnerships with biotech companies, which could help reinvigorate the Rhode Island economy. Lifespan has additional space to build out for TriSalus if the research effort expands.

Henderson says Lifespan is in talks with two other companies about forming similar partnerships.

“Success begets more success, and research begets more research,” Henderson said. “Ultimately, what this leads to, and what we’ve been laying the groundwork for, is an innovation hub that would allow and attract more of the top-tier faculty and some of the best students in the country.” n

PBN.COM | ANOTHER LOOK With CEO set to leave, Care New England at crossroads

BY MARC LAROCQUE | Larocque@PBN.com

(Editor’s note: A version of this story was first published on PBN.com on May 20.)

While the CEO and president of Care New England Health System is planning an exit in the wake of a failed merger, Dr. James E. Fanale and the board of directors at Rhode Island’s second-biggest hospital group will have their work cut out for them before his retirement in early 2023.

Care New England is still facing the same financial difficulties that drove the company to fight unsuccessfully for a merger with the state’s biggest hospital company, Lifespan Corp., an arrangement that was ultimately shot down in mid-February by state and federal authorities because of concerns about lowering the quality of care. But it’s unclear how long CNE leaders are willing to wait before arriving at another solution, such as an acquisition by a for-profit investor or a partnership with another nonprofit hospital system.

Jessica McCarthy, a Care New England spokesperson, said a national search for a new CEO is kicking off soon, and that Fanale will be a “key part” of that search.

Care New England recently posted

its fiscal year 2022 second-quarter report, showing that the company lost $35.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2022, which ended on March 31. That loss was $19.4 million worse than the company’s forecast and a dramatic reversal from CNE’s profit of $42.5 million in the same time period a year earlier. CNE’s results for the first half of fiscal 2022 factor in $10.1 million of federal COVID-19 stimulus funds granted to the company, and the $77.5 million of federal and state stimulus grants for the fiscal 2021 time period. That means the true operating results were a $35 million loss for the first half of fiscal 2021 and a $45.2 million loss so far in fiscal 2022.

McCarthy noted that “all hospitals took a hit” as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with fewer patients coming in for elective surgeries and “so much money” being spent on agency fees for traveling nurses to meet staffing shortages.

StoneBridge Healthcare LLC CEO Josh Nemzoff, whose Pennsylvaniabased company made a second proposal in February to acquire CNE for $250 million and $300 million more in capital investments, said the recent financial reports show that remain-

BOWING OUT: Care New England Health System CEO and President Dr. James E. Fanale is planning to retire early next year.

PBN FILE PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

ing as a standalone, independent health care system could be “a very risky option” for Care New England.

Fanale said recently that it’s possible that Care New England returns to the table with nonprofit Partners HealthCare corporation in

Massachusetts, now known as Mass General Brigham, after a proposed merger between the two companies was abandoned in 2019 after former Gov. Gina M. Raimondo pushed for a merger with Lifespan.

The United Nurses & Allied Professionals union, which represents 1,500 of the roughly 7,500 employees of Care New England, is now urging the General Assembly to step up during this period of transition and uncertainty by allocating federal American Rescue Plan Act funding “to help stabilize [the hospital group’s] finances and avoid a hasty selloff to a for-profit.” Such a transaction “could have long-lasting negative repercussions on Rhode Island’s health care system,” UNAP said in a statement.

That’s a position shared by Patrick Quinn, executive vice president of Service Employees International Union 1199NE, which represents about 1,500 Care New England employees at facilities such as Women & Infants Hospital, Kent County Memorial Hospital and Butler Hospital.

“The state has to step up and support them so they don’t deteriorate financially and have to make a bad deal,” Quinn said. n

CONNECT LEARN PITCH

Register to pitch your Business by June 30, 2022. www.GetStartedRI.com

Save the date: Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Sponsored by:

*You can enter the Contest by visiting the official registration page at www.GetStartedRI.com and completing all of the required information and following all posted instructions. Contest is open only to legal residents of Rhode Island who: (1) are at least 18 years of age; (2) are the owner, principal, or general manager of a business that is physically located within a Cox Business serviceable area. BY ENTERING THE CONTEST, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT (1) YOUR MATERIALS ARE NOT CONFIDENTIAL AND NO CONFIDENTIAL OR FIDUCIARY RELATIONSHIP IS INTENDED OR CREATED BY ENTERING THE CONTEST; AND (2) THE CONTEST ENTITIES MAY POSSESS OR COME TO POSSESS INFORMATION THAT IS SIMILAR OR IDENTICAL TO YOUR MATERIALS, AND YOU HEREBY AGREE THAT THE CONTEST ENTITIES MAY USE SUCH SIMILAR OR IDENTICAL INFORMATION WITHOUT LIMITATION, COMPENSATION, OR CREDIT TO YOU. Void where prohibited. Contest subject to Complete Official Rules. To obtain a copy of the winner’s list or a copy of these Official Rules, send your request along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to “Cox Business Get Started” Winners/Rules, Heather Hall, Cox Communications, Inc., 6305 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30328. Sponsor: Cox Communications, Inc., d/b/a Cox Business, 6205-B Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30328. © 2022 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 9

FOR STARTERS | WHAT’S HAPPENING FROM CAPITOL HILL: The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2022 Congressional Breakfast on June 13 at the Crowne Plaza ProvidenceWarwick in Warwick, featuring, pictured clockwise from top left, Reps. James R. Langevin, D-R.I., and David N. Cicilline, D-R.I., and Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Jack Reed, D-R.I. COURTESY JAMES R. LANGEVIN, DAVID N. CICILLINE, SHELDON WHITEHOUSE AND JACK REED

Celebrating metalsmiths THE SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICAN Goldsmiths will hold its 50th annual conference. The four-day event will bring together the society’s diverse community to engage with speakers, exhibitions, events and each other.

The conference will have vendor booths and silent auctions, as well as portfolio reviews.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, THROUGH SATURDAY, JUNE 4. $475/members; $675/nonmembers; $325/students R.I. Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: snagmetalsmith.org/news-events/ conference/tickets

EDITOR’S CHOICE

On the links

THE GREATER PROVIDENCE Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2022 Congressional Breakfast, hosted by the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick. Reps. James R. Langevin, D-R.I., and David N. Cicilline, D-R.I., and Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Jack Reed, D-R.I., will share recent developments in Washington, D.C., and the impact they are having on Rhode Island. There will also be a special recognition for Langevin’s service in Congress. Registration is due by June 3.

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 8:15-10 A.M. $50/person; $650/corporate table of 8

THE EAST GREENWICH Chamber of Commerce will hold its 33rd annual Golf Tournament, hosted by Richmond Country Club. The event will include dinner afterward. Partial proceeds raised will benefit The Tomorrow Fund, an independent nonprofit charitable organization that provides ​​​​​​​ daily financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 7 A.M. TO 3 P.M. $35/dinner only; $135/golf and dinner

Greater Providence Chamber to host Congressional Breakfast

Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick, 801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3kizQIB

Richmond Country Club, 74 Sandy Pond Road, Richmond.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3rEzLCL

Building new relationships ONE SOUTHCOAST CHAMBER of Commerce will hold a Business After Hours networking event, hosted by The Cove. The Chamber’s Business After Hours provides an opportunity for members and nonmembers to mingle and build business relationships in an informal, relaxed business setting. These networking mixers are held on a monthly basis in partnership with member businesses and attract business professionals from many industries.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 5-7 P.M. Free/members; $25/nonmembers The Cove, 392 Davol St., Fall River.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3Mp0YkO

Chip shots THE NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND Chamber of Commerce will hold a one-year celebration of the Emerging Leaders Council, hosted by Kirkbrae Country Club. The networking event will include a golf instructional session put on by the club’s PGA professionals. Drinks and appetizers will be

PBN is now accepting nominations for our Leaders & Achievers Awards Leaders and Achievers will be recognized for their notable success and strong leadership both in their fields and to the region.

Honorees will be chosen based on their long-standing commitment to the business community as well as a sustained demonstration of leading others, community service and mentoring.

Self-applications also accepted.

SAVE THE DATE

APPLY TODAY

Access the application by hovering over the QR code with your phone camera or visit PBN.com/events

August 18 | Aldrich Mansion For sponsorship and advertising opportunities contact Advertising@PBN.com | 401-680-4800

10 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING | FOR STARTERS served. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 5-7 P.M. $40/members; $50/nonmembers Kirkbrae Country Club, 197 Old River Road, Lincoln.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3Mlb8D9

Morning networking THE TRI-TOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE will hold its networking group in a forum setting in which business owners and entrepreneurs can build business relationships with one another.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 8-9 A.M. Free Online.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3OmlB30

Orthopaedic discussions THE AMERICAN ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATION will hold its 2022 Annual Leadership meeting. The meeting aspires to bring symposia that provoke bold conversations on pressing critical issues to all in the orthopaedic space. The in-person event will deliver various forums to surgeons of all subspecialties, practice settings

and career stages.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, THROUGH SATURDAY, JUNE 18. $400 R.I. Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: sforce.co/3sSrxrl

Connecting over coffee THE GREATER NEWPORT Chamber of Commerce and the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center will hold a networking event, hosted

by Innovate Newport. Attendees will meet other business owners from around the area over coffee and light refreshments. Attendees will also learn more about how the development center can help you grow your business and improve profitability.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 8-9 A.M. Free Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, Newport.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3rHsRgq

3D scanning POLARIS MEP will hold a workshop titled “Scan to Reverse Engineer with Functional 3D.” The event will provide an overview of the role 3D scans play in the “new” reverse engineering and attendees will hear how such scans can allow for modern manufacturing such as additive/3D printing or forging.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1-2 P.M. Free Online.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3k5RVJw

On the water THE NORTH KINGSTOWN Chamber of Commerce will hold a multi-chamber lighthouse cruise. In addition to having networking opportunities, the event will offer a viewing of 10 lighthouses and a tour of Newport Harbor.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. A rain date is set for June 22.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 5:30-7 P.M. $30/members; $35/nonmembers Rhode Island Fast Ferry, 1347 Roger Williams Way, North Kingstown.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3K90Y78

Interested in having your businessrelated event included in What’s Happening? Contact PBN Researcher James Bessette at (401) 680-4838 or Research@PBN.com.

of Rhode Island AWARDS SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYEE HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM & SEE HOW YOU MEASURE UP. • What’s offered • Employee incentives • Employee participation • Measuring success • Why it matters • Tangible results

Develop your growth plan GOLDMAN SACHS 10,000 Small Businesses invites growth-minded Rhode Island-based small-business owners to apply for its Fall 2022 Cohort. With a Babson College-designed business growth curriculum, expert advisers and a supportive network of peers, small-business owners will have an opportunity to gain practical skills and develop an actionable business growth plan. Apply by June 1.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 13, THROUGH WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14. Free Community College of Rhode Island, 400 East Ave., Warwick.

INFO AND REGISTRATION: bit.ly/3Ecb99x

UPCOMING PBN EVENT: The 2022 Best Places to Work Awards Program will be held from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick in Warwick.

For more information, visit PBN.com.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Advertising@PBN.com.

ENROLL NOW! Deadline June 17 Access the application by hovering over the QR code with your phone camera, or visit PBN.com/events

Honorees will be celebrated at an Awards Luncheon on August 4.

For sponsorship, advertising and exhibitor opportunities, contact 680.4800 or Advertising@PBN.com www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 11

NEW GUARD FULLER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

He can speak with some authority about the matter. Before stepping into his leading role at Dartmouth in January 2021 – initially on an interim basis – Fuller, 62, led the UMass business school in Amherst. Now he sees no lack of opportunity in UMass Dartmouth’s potential to provide students with the tools they need to curb rising education expenses, while in turn invigorating the local economy.

Apparently, others see opportunity, too. Fuller says admission applications are at a three-year high and research expenditures are on the rise, too.

Did you always know you wanted to be an educator, and eventually a university leader?

My brothers and I were the first in our family to go to college, so like maybe many people do, you head off to university and look at traditional options, like being a doctor. I studied biology and chemistry as an undergraduate, and I was working my way through school, trying to help out the family. We didn’t have tremendous means, which is how I ended up in public higher education. The process was one of discovery for me as I worked my way through college.

My pathway was really not preplanned in any way. It was really people influencing me throughout my life that tracked me into that, and it’s obviously been a great choice and a great career for me because as a first-generation college student, I know the impact education has on people’s lives.

So it’s really a passion as much as it is a job for me.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing higher education today, and what needs to be done to overcome this obstacle?

One of the challenges is the changing demographics of the nation, fewer people graduating from high school, etc. Fifty percent of our population is first-generation college students, over 40% are Pell [Grant]-eligible students, so many of them aren’t familiar with the transformative effect that college can have. So one of the challenges we have, that other institutions have as well, is telling people about the value proposition of higher education.

Students have changed with many of the social issues we face now, with the pandemic, that may not have been there a few years ago, so we have to be prepared to provide the coaching, the mental health, the counseling, that infrastructure that helps mold a student into being successful throughout their college career and beyond.

UMass Dartmouth has steadily raised its academic profile in recent years, including being designated a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity in 2020.

FACETIME: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Chancellor Mark Fuller, second from the right at the table in the foreground, attends a gathering to recognize the successes of research faculty members at the university in April.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS DARTMOUTH

How do you see a still small, relatively isolated state school continuing to build on that progress in the coming decade?

I view the location as a strength. Many people do not want to be in a city center to get their college education – I think UMass Amherst is a perfect example of that in the western part of the state. I think the other thing that’s unique about us is that we’re one of the smaller public research institutions in the nation. Most research schools tend to be larger than this – 20,000, 30,000, 40,000 students. We’re more in the range of 7,000 students. So it’s a nice balance of accessibility and still being a public research university.

Another unique thing about UMass Dartmouth is we have the full gamut of not only the liberal arts, which are strong here, but we also have the School of Law, the College of Nursing, the College of Engineering, all of those professional degree programs. Those are all here, as opposed to a small liberal arts school, which may not have the same breadth of programs that we have.

What are the biggest challenges facing UMass Dartmouth, and how do you plan to address them?

In a way, I think we’re a little bit unknown in the system. Having spent 12 years at UMass Amherst, the flagship, you sort of think of this smaller school that’s down on the south coast.

So I believe part of what we have to do is tell our story because it’s a powerful story. We have the only school of marine science, and we have the unique capabilities to look at coastal economies,

renewable industry, the fishing industry, coastal tourism. We’re at the heart of that, in addition to those other professional programs. We need to emphasize and differentiate and show the quality here, and I think we’re starting to do that, and we’re starting to see results with the applications we’re experiencing now.

What do you see as the role of the UMass Dartmouth Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and how has this evolved over the course of the pandemic? What services does the center offer to students and startups?

The individuals involved in the CIE, many of whom are graduates or students, adapted [to pandemic measures] just as entrepreneurs always do and are back there now in their workshops, designing new ways to study the ocean or designing 3D printing to create tiny parts of certain devices.

The CIE is a great place for students to get handson learning experiences, and I look forward to increasing those experiences because it’s part of our DNA, especially in the areas of engineering and the blue economy. Those areas have really started to emerge along the south coast, and we’re going to play a key role in those developments.

How has the number of startups served by the center trended over the past several years, and what are some of the companies that stand out to you that recently went through or are currently working with the center?

CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

‘One of the challenges we have … is telling people about the value proposition of higher education.’

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

12 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

Innovation fuels us.

At Johnson & Wales, collaborative learning and creative entrepreneurship prepare graduates to take on the new and next.

WE ’ RE POWE RE D

BY PU RPOS E .

Learn more at JWU.edu

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 13

NEW GUARD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

We have a waiting list for the space in the center, so there’s more demand than we have space to offer. One company that stands out is the L3 OceanServer [Inc.]. They build autonomous underwater vehicles for the military and commercial research applications.

The university has emphasized involvement with the blue economy. How do you plan to continue facilitating ties with this sector?

We’re always designing new programs to address this, but we have people in key positions in the university who are working, for example, with renewable energy companies and trying to meet their needs. Because of the type of institution we are, we are a vital piece for the blue economy development. You need jobs along the whole spectrum. You need research looking at the impact of offshore wind. We do that. You need people studying soil along coastal economies. We do that. You need people who are looking at new ways to generate renewable energies or supply chain issues. We have people who do that.

THE GREETER: Chancellor Mark Fuller, second from the right, chats with the family of a first-year student as they move items into a dorm on the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus in September 2021.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS DARTMOUTH

Prior to your move to UMass Dartmouth, you worked at UMass Amherst for over a decade. Does this move within the system change your previous administrative approach? If so, how and why?

In what ways did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the university, and how have these changes evolved throughout the course of the pandemic?

they expected of college. There is no particular formula because the virus changes, but we always try to follow the Mass. Board of Health and be at least that conservative, and sometimes more.

I was able to enact what I like to think of as posiTaking over this job in the midst of a panAt this stage in the pandemic, many unitive, persistent change [at the UMass Amherst Isdemic, it’s amazing how every challenge seems versities are attempting to strike a balance enberg School of Management], so really trying to to be novel. We had a vaccination requirement to move the institution forward. We did that through between rapidly shifting public health poliattend and really followed the science. If infection honing our academic programs, our student serviccies, with restrictions rolling back in many rates rose, we tightened down the interactions or es, working on the brand. And in a way, many of areas, and managing periodic surges as new put indoor mask requirements in place. As the those same activities are what we’re involved with COVID-19 variants arise. What is your appandemic waned, we would loosen the requirenow [at UMass Dartmouth]. So I think in many proach to handling guidance and regulations ments to try to give students the full experience cases there are similarities. Obviously, the scale is bigger because it’s a university, though at this point? the Isenberg School had around 5,000 We meet regularly as a university, students when I left. UMass Dartmouth and especially our Pandemic Emergency GAINING MOMENTUM is about 7,000 or 8,000, so the number of Response Team, to continually analyze The number of research grants awarded to the University of students is not that dissimilar. However, infection rates on campus, trace where Massachusetts Dartmouth over the last five years peaked in fiscal 2018 the variety of academic programs we those infections are coming from and at 280, but university officials say the total dollar amount of grants have here obviously dwarfs what one follow appropriate isolation protocols. remained nearly level, then climbed in 2021 because college has. But a lot of the same issues A silver lining of this horrific pandemic UMass Dartmouth has been able to garner larger awards. are being addressed. is we’re much better equipped to oper285 $80M ate remotely, so if we have to do remote 272 280 268 255 264 As the chair and dean of the classes, some remote meetings for a 280 short period of time, we can do that very UMass Amherst Isenberg School $70M effectively. Technology doesn’t solve all for much of that tenure, how will 275 problems. There is a true richness to the your experience leading business $60M experiences that happen in the classprograms influence your approach room, so whenever possible, our goal is 270 to UMass Dartmouth offerings? $50M to provide the richest environment for We always need to be looking at the that social and academic learning. But 265 market. Where are the new, emerging we want to keep people safe, so we’re $40M jobs coming in, in STEM [science, techvigilant.

260 nology, engineering and math] disci$30M plines, computer science, game design?

How is the university addressing af255 So we have to be externally looking, fordability barriers to higher eduthen we design our academic programs $20M cation in a part of the state where 250 to try to put our students in the best $54.7M $61.5M $60.1M $59.1M $70.2M income levels traditionally lag other possible position to meet those. We’re $10M 245 parts of the UMass system, and also seeing an increased number of students who are coming back to school, so as tuition rises across the UMass 240 we’re designing not just master’s-based $0M system?

FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 programs for those folks but also certifiPublic research universities have cate degrees, programs that can allow always been a high-value option for ■■■■■■ DOLLARS -------------------- NUMBER OF GRANTS people to upscale very quickly. students and families. Do students leave

‘We have the unique capabilities to look at coastal economies, renewable industry, the fishing industry, coastal tourism.’

14 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

with a level of student debt? Yes, but nowhere near the student debt that would often accumulate in a private institution. Then what we try to do is to counteract that with good jobs.

Ninety-seven percent of our graduates have jobs or are in grad school within six months of graduation, and their average salary might be $50,000.

But the high-end jobs, in many cases such as in the engineering and computer science fields, exceed $100,000. Our advancement team is also constantly working on getting more scholarships for students. n

INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE ›››› CLOSING THE GAP FOR WOMEN IN STEM

SPONSORED CONTENT

Women in Science: Cracking the Code TO STAY COMPETITIVE GLOBALLY, the nation needs the talent and creative ability of all of its people—both women and men. However, women make up only 28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college.

The gender gaps are particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering.

Giving women equal opportunities to pursue — and thrive in — STEM careers helps narrow the gender pay gap, enhances women’s economic security, ensures a diverse and talented STEM workforce and prevents biases in these fields and the products and services they produce.

In this forum, women leaders at Amgen share the challenges they’ve faced as women in STEM and offer their insights and advice on how to stay the course and continue to make progress on cracking the code.

Carol Malysz Executive Director, RI Bio Moderator

PARTICIPANTS Julie Matthew Director, Manufacturing, Amgen

1. Why are more women needed in STEM? How important is it to encourage women towards scientific careers? How can we support women in science?

2. What has been the driving force behind your scientific career?

3. What have been the defining moments that have allowed you to shine as a leader?

4. How do you care for yourself in crucible moments?

5. If there are no barriers, no limitations, what is on your professional wish list for 2022?

1. Encouraging more women in STEM careers will help bring more balanced perspectives on what to focus on to deliver value to society and how we can go about solving critical challenges.

Not every woman needs to or wants to pursue a career in science, but exposure to the option should be available to young women, and those with an interest and inclination should have ready access to support and role models. If we can encourage those with a true passion to cultivate that passion, outcomes for them and for society will be that much greater.

2. My passion for learning how and why things work was instilled by my parents who were both scientists, so “wow, that’s so cool!” is a sentiment I was lucky to experience often and from a very young age. That sense of wonder and awe continues to motivate me and is a very rewarding aspect of my current role.

I have an engineering background and have done technical as well as quality roles before ultimately landing in manufacturing. I love the scale of manufacturing and find it genuinely exciting – both for the technical challenges and the opportunities to work with and lead amazing teams.

3. 2021 was a particularly challenging year – the on-going pandemic brought significant personal and business challenges. In the midst of this, we also saw historic levels of competition for talent within the industry drive significant movement within key roles that challenged our operational stability while we were also ramping up our production run rates. I am proud of my team’s resilience and how they navigated these challenges. I was honored to support them through to a brighter 2022, where we’re looking forward to continued growth and success.

4. I need to be very purposeful in my choices of how to spend my time, but the workplace flexibility that has been driven by the pandemic has made this much more possible. I feel that taking advantage of this flexibility, focusing on my needs and the needs of my team, and role modeling these behaviors will create a more inclusive, productive, and sustainable workplace that can weather future storms.

5. Normalize flexible work arrangements for the longterm – we need this to become commonplace and ingrained in our culture for continued inclusion, sustainability, and productivity.

Jen Lytle Senior Manager, Quality, Amgen

1. Guiding and encouraging women to pursue a science-based career will continue to diversify these industries. Collaboration and innovation from different perspectives and educations result in a high value to the business. As more women showcase their passion for science it also encourages the next generation’s interest and knowledge of varying career paths.

Recognize and encourage fellow women in science by celebrating each other personally and professionally.

Take time to network and meet other women in science through your network and across the industry.

2. My decision to advance a career in science was not a clear path, I enjoyed math and science but I lacked knowledge of the vast careers within this industry.

Coupled with my focus in science, I also had a passion for helping and serving people but hadn’t found a perfect match until I came across Amgen. It was a mix of all the factors I loved…a lot of science with a strong patient focus. I love that every day I learn something new and challenge myself and my team to continue to grow and develop as Quality Assurance professionals.

It motivates me knowing that the career I chose improves patients’ lives and I make a difference through science and innovation.

3. Resiliency, it’s a word that seems to have gained more meaning after March 2020. I learned what being a leader meant during a pandemic, how to bring compassion and resiliency together to support each other. The fallout of challenges from supply chain to childcare to loss of loved ones makes you reflect on what is important and how you are going to be the best you can be. Going through this experience, it has given me more perspective and flexibility in ways to manage and lead.

4. In the day-to-day pace it can be challenging to recognize when you need to refresh. I had a manager that once told me some days will be long and others will be average but each week reflect on your overall balance and then look across the month. If you tipped the scales and were unbalanced, reflect on how to improve and make the effort to adjust.

5. Host an in-person cross functional team building event to advance staff engagement.

Ann Philippon Senior Manager, Facilities & Engineering, Amgen

1. We can support women in science by empowering each other –seeking input from other women, amplifying their voices, creating opportunities, and advocating for them.

Increased diversity expands a team’s perspectives, which in turn increases creativity and innovative problem solving. Therefore, it is in all of our best interest to foster diversity in STEM. We can also support women in science by encouraging them to take risks, embracing their ideas, highlighting their hard work, and celebrating their successes and achievements.

2. My dad was an engineer and always inspired my interest in math and science – we spent many hours together building geodesic domes and hovercrafts for science fairs when I was in school. My mom was an English teacher, so she reinforced my love of writing, language, and grammar, and always made sure I carefully edited my homework and reports! They offered a great cross-functional combination of parental influence and drove me to be a hard-working student with an appreciation for science and education. My work in biotech project management requires a balance of hard and soft skills and is well suited to my multidisciplinary background.

3. Given the pandemic, most of us have had to define new ways of managing our jobs and our personal lives without succumbing to overwhelm on either front. I took on a new management role for the first time last year, so I’m learning the ropes in a whole new world.

Luckily I’m blessed with a very talented, capable, and engaged team. They’ve been understanding as we figure things out together and even identify opportunities to improve our processes along the way. Trust, honesty, and vulnerability are key.

4. Be forgiving of yourself and others, and keep in mind that being a perfectionist is not always the best approach. Sometimes the best medicine is a good laugh – or even a good cry! Stepping back and putting things in perspective is almost always a helpful step to take.

5. My team has changed significantly in the past several months, so I’m eager to partner with new members of my group and learn about their ideas, strengths, interests, and working styles.

You’ve made it as women in science; how did you crack the code?

“Know and leverage your advocates and pay it forward.

We don’t advance alone.” {JM} “Take inspiration from watching female friends and colleagues confidently take on ambitious new assignments and face unexpected personal and professional challenges with grace, empathy, and often an invaluable sense of humor!” {AP}

“Act like you belong here – because you do.

Speak up and be heard.” {JM} “Listen and learn from others, be vulnerable.” {JL} “Aim to build trust and respect in every interaction.” {JM} “Learn from your successes and failures, always walk away with a lesson.” {JL}

2 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 15

FOCUS | VETERANS IN THE WORKPLACE

Transition to civilian jobs aided by R.I. alliance

BY MARC LAROCQUE | Larocque@PBN.com

CAMY

R. Ruck’s experience in the U.S. Navy from 2012 to 2018 equipped her with skills to be an information system technician overseeing computer networks containing top-secret information aboard the command ship USS Mount Whitney in Italy.

But when it came time to present those skills as assets for a civilian employer, Ruck says she called in for some support from the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance, a membership alliance for defense tech, talent and innovation. The group operates a workforce development program using a $200,000 annual grant from the Real Jobs Rhode Island program under the R.I. Department of Labor and Training.

“For veterans, it can be hard to make that transition,” Ruck said. “A military resume is so tailored to working in the military. There’s a lot of military lingo and acronyms that make sense to me, but to others, they would not understand. You have to translate those things to the civilian world. And often, we’re not great at how to do it.

But SENEDIA is good at being able to translate those military skills into

soft skills that a civilian employer can understand.”

Established in 2002, SENEDIA operates from an office in Middletown with three full-time staff and two part-timers, serving the interests of 100 companies that do business with the U.S. Department of Defense, including names such as General Dynamics Electric Boat, Raytheon Technologies Corp., and Lockheed Martin Corp. The organization’s workforce development program is open to everyone seeking work in the defense industry, but it puts a special focus on helping veterans with landing internships and jobs.

During its most recent funding cycle that started in September, the SENEDIA program placed 10 veterans into internships, which come with a $1,500 stipend for 80 hours of work, according to the organization. SENEDIA officials said the program connected 12 veterans with permanent jobs and helped 35 veterans with resume support, certifications, networking opportunities, ongoing check-ins, interview practice and tips for negotiating salaries and benefits.

“Veterans who are transitioning into

‘It was really the first step for me to find a job here.’

CAMY R. RUCK, U.S. Navy veteran 16 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

CAREER PATHFINDER: U.S. Navy veteran Camy R. Ruck credits the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance with assisting her in finding the type of job she wanted in civilian life.

PBN PHOTO/ DAVID HANSEN

the civilian workforce aren’t used to having those kinds of conversations,” said Tim Fox, deputy executive director of SENEDIA. Ruck says she heard of SENEDIA through a friend last year when she was having trouble finding a job.

First, she was lined up for a two-week internship at the Newport Area Career and Technical Center supporting the information technology department at Rogers High School, then was hired as a systems engineer at KMS Solutions LLC at Naval Station Newport. She is now moving to a permanent job at General Dynamics Mission Systems in Dedham, Mass.

“What SENEDIA provides is they cut out the middle person,” Ruck said.

“Instead of me putting my application online and waiting weeks and weeks until hopefully someone calls me, it went straight to the hiring person. It was a short turnaround between when they worked with my resume and sent it out on my behalf.”

In addition to the Real Jobs R.I. partnership program, SENEDIA has been operating under a two-year, $18 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense since August 2020 to support workforce development efforts needed to help power the submarine building industry, providing training for 33 veterans to contribute to the delivery of Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines. The program has provided training on welding, sheet metal fabrication, machining, electrical work and pipefitting to hundreds of people, most of whom are not veterans, according to SENEDIA. SENEDIA has also been in partnership since 2016 with the Community College of Rhode Island, R.I. Commerce Corp. and others to support the Pathways in Technology Early College High School program cybersecurity initiative, known as PTECH, which offers no-cost education opportunities for high school students pursuing a career in cybersecurity in the defense industry.

Molly Donohue Magee, SENEDIA executive director, says SENEDIA’s member companies are hungry for motivated military veterans to power their workforce, especially in this current economy that’s been marked by labor shortages.

“The industry really reaches out to veterans because No. 1, they honor their service, and No. 2, the skills and experience they have that make an invaluable member for any defense company,” Donohue McGee said.

That’s the case at KMS Solutions, says Charles J. McSoley, director of the Northeast region for the company, which is a provider of systems engineering, technical assistance and cybersecurity for the Navy.

“KMS is proud to offer opportunities to the strong veteran community, to transition from a military career to their next phase of life in an industry where they can continue to support the nation’s premier warfighting systems,” McSoley said.

Ruck says she’s grateful to SENEDIA for helping to get her career into gear in the civilian world.

“It was really the first step for me to find a job here,” Ruck said. n

MEMORIAL DAY 2022 BUSINESSES REMEMBER AND HONOR ALL WHO HAVE SERVED.

BERKSHIREBANK.COM

AMGEN.COM

BANKRI.COM

NAVIGANTCU.ORG COX BUSINESS.COM

GREYST.COM

QUONSETVIDEOS.COM TORAYTPA.COM

READE.COM

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 17

FOCUS | VETERANS IN THE WORKPLACE More firms tapping into ranks of ex-military

BY NANCY LAVIN | Lavin@PBN.com

JEREMY TOLLESON TRADED ONE CONFLICT FOR ANOTHER when he retired from the U.S. Army and started working for the R.I. Department of Labor and Training.

It wasn’t the same as being deployed in a peacekeeping mission during the Bosnian War, but the aftershocks from the 2008 financial crisis left local workers in crisis. Tolleson’s task: help turn the waiting rooms brimming with out-of-work veterans clutching resumes into the tech-savvy, skilled workforce employers demanded.

“It was kind of an all-hands-on-deck feeling,” Tolleson said.

Gradually, the crisis abated and by 2019, those same waiting room crowds had thinned as veteran unemployment rates – nationally and in Rhode Island – reached their lowest levels since the Great Recession.

Then COVID-19 hit, sending millions of workers packing, including military veterans. Tolleson, promoted from case manager to DLT’s veteran program manager, feared another catastrophe was around the corner.

The last two years haven’t been easy, but the decadelong veteran unemployment crisis that followed the 2008 recession doesn’t appear to be repeating itself. The national unemployment rate for veterans peaked at 12.1% in April 2020. As of March, the most recent data available, that rate had dropped to 2.4% – which was back at pre-pandemic levels and below the unemployment rate among nonveteran workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Even Chris Dalton, who retired from a 32-year career in uniform at the height of the pandemic, didn’t see a break in employment. The former Marine lieutenant colonel started his civilian job in market research for Citizens Bank the same month that he went on terminal leave from the service.

The rapid decline in veteran unemployment was partly thanks to the ongoing worker shortage, which has helped. Also crucial is that local companies are targeting veterans to fill their open positions.

Military service gives an “essence of professionalism” that employers in nearly every industry want in their workers, says Gary Convertino, director of workforce development for the Rhode Island Society of Human Resources Management.

Regardless of branch or position, making it through the grueling, two-month boot camp that all entry-level military members endure equips them with the skills that make for good workers, according to Tolleson.

“Most people wouldn’t be able to tolerate a week of what we go through,” he said. “You’re really kind of broken down to that base level, and the trust and duty and commitment born out of that is not typically found in the same levels in civilians.”

Tri-Mack Plastics Manufacturing Corp. isn’t looking to break its workers’ spirits. But the Bristol aerospace parts manufacturer does want workers who will show up and work hard – two characteristics that are sometimes proving hard to come by in the post-pandemic era, according to Martha Morrisette, Tri-Mack’s sales coordinator.

Morrisette, who has worked in human resources and recruiting for companies in many industries, says the “ghosting” phenomenon of workers walking off the job or not showing up at all has intensified in recent months. And after seeing success with past veteran hires, Tri-Mack is honing in on

the ex-military population for hard-to-fill secondshift jobs.

“We want people with CNC [computer numerical control] experience, but we’re realizing we may not be able to find those folks,” she said. “If we can get people who can work independently but also support our mission and our training, that’s the next best thing. We really think veterans are a good population for us.”

While Tolleson feels optimistic since seeing fewer veterans coming to the DLT for help, he’s still wary that numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Measurements of the veteran population, especially in Rhode Island, can be unreliable because of the small sample size, according to Donna Murray, assistant director for DLT’s Labor Market Information Division.

Lower unemployment rates could also be a reflection of veterans dropping out of the labor force, retiring early or perhaps simply growing frustrated by their inability to find the career they want, rather than finding jobs, Tolleson says.

The mental health toll the pandemic took on veterans is not to be discounted, either. Tolleson suspects the isolation and a sense of lack of purpose that accompanied the pandemic were felt more acutely by veterans, who thrive in structure and teamwork. Returning to work might be too overwhelming.

Tolleson could relate. He didn’t lose his job, but the mounting piles of unemployment claims in the early months of the pandemic and six-day workweeks spent sifting through emails rather than meeting with veterans face to face weighed heavily on his social and emotional state.

What kept him going through those stressful months was the sense of purpose he feels in his job, a kind of satisfaction he hopes to help other former military members find in their own careers.

“We have really shifted our focus from not just getting a veteran hired to any job but to a higherskilled, meaningful job,” he said.

Dalton said DLT’s advice, including personality and career aptitude tests and suggestions for certifications for different careers, were crucial to helping him find a job suited to his skills and work style.

“It really helped me define what I like to do and where I might like to do it,” he said. n

‘We really think veterans are a good population for us.’

MARTHA MORRISETTE, Tri-Mack Plastics Manufacturing Corp. sales coordinator

RELIABLE RESOURCE: Jeremy Tolleson, left, veteran program manager for the R.I. Department of Labor and Training, at a Veterans Expo event at Pierce Memorial Stadium in East Providence, with Roger Richards, veterans representative. As more employees are quitting or not showing up to work, companies are turning to veterans to fill their workforces.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

18 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

FOCUS | |VETERAN VETERANEMPLOYERS EMPLOYERS

(companies with veteran employment initiatives, ranked alphabetically) (companies with veteran employment initiatives, ranked alphabetically)

CLOSER LOOK

Total no. of local employees

Does your company's leadership team include any veterans or service members?

Does your company accept military experience instead of certification/the civilian equivalent in level of training?

Has your company earned any U.S. Department of Defense employer awards from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve?

Ranked by number of local employees:

1

Company | Website CEO/President

Address Phone

Adcare Rhode Island | adcare.com Fred A. Trapassi Jr., New England region CEO; Sarah Horgan, chief operating officer

1950 Tower Hill Road North Kingstown, R.I. 02852 (401) 294-6160

119

Yes

Yes

NA

Amgen Inc. | amgen.com Robert Bradway, chairman and CEO; Brian Britson, Rhode Island site vice president of operations

40 Technology Way West Greenwich, R.I. 02817 (401) 392-1200

903

Yes

Yes

NA

Lifespan Corp.

No. of local employees: 16,651

ATG Group Inc. | atggroup.us Giacomo Catucci, president; Christopher Catucci, vice president

95 Hathaway Center, Suite 28 Providence, R.I. 02907 (401) 781-1750

18

No

Yes

NA

2

CVS Health Corp.

No. of local employees: 8,600

3

Booz Allen Hamilton | boozallen.com Horacio Rozanski, CEO

221 Third St. Newport, R.I. 02840 (401) 845-6829

8

Yes

Yes

Above And Beyond Award; Patriot Award; Pro Patria Award; Seven Seals Award

Briarcliffe Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation | briarclifferi.com Akshay K. Talwar, CEO and administrator

49 Old Pocasset Road Johnston, R.I. 02919 (401) 944-2450

240

Yes

Yes

NA

Carpionato Group | carpionatogroup.com K. MacArthur Coates

1414 Atwood Ave. Johnston, R.I. 02919 (401) 273-6800

530

Yes

Yes

Patriot Award

Charcuterie Artisans | charcuterie.com Chris Bowler, CEO

1000 Daniele Drive Burrillville, R.I. 02839 (401) 568-6228

700

Yes

NA

NA

Christian's Catering | lafrancehospitality.com/christians-catering R. Christian Lafrance, vice president, restaurant operations; Charlie Fellows, general manager

66 State Road Westport, Mass. 02790 (508) 675-7185

15

Yes

No

NA

CODAC Behavioral Healthcare | codacinc.org Linda E. Hurley

1052 Park Ave. Cranston, R.I. 02910 (401) 275-5039

175

No

No

NA

Community Care Alliance | communitycareri.org Benedict Lessing Jr.

800 Clinton St. Woonsocket, R.I. 02895 (401) 235-7000

460

Yes

Yes

NA

Compass IT Compliance LLC | compassitc.com Jerry Hughes, owner, managing partner and senior vice president of operations; William DePalma, owner, managing partner and senior vice president of sales

2 Asylum Road North Providence, R.I. 02904 (401) 353-3024

23

Yes

Yes

NA

Creative Circle Media Solutions | creativecirclemedia.com Bill Ostendorf, founder and president

945 Waterman Ave. East Providence, R.I. 02914 (401) 455-1555

11

No

Yes

NA

CVS Health Corp. | cvshealth.com Karen S. Lynch

1 CVS Drive Woonsocket, R.I. 02895 (401) 765-1500

8,600

Yes

Yes

Patriot Award; Secretary Of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

East Coast Technology Group | ectne.com Steven J. Gietz, founder and president

1300 Highland Corporate Drive Cumberland, R.I. 02864 401-464-9005

7

No

Yes

NA

Emery's Catering Service Inc. | emeryscatering.com Dave Emery, owner and president; Robert Emery, owner and vice president; Donna Rowey, owner and treasurer

425 Pavilion Ave. Warwick, R.I. 02888 (401) 739-6800

40

Yes

Yes

NA

Fairfield Inn & Suites New Bedford | marriott.com/ewbfi Kristy Rousell

185 MacArthur Drive New Bedford, Mass. 02740 (774) 634-2000

33

Yes

No

NA

FirstWorks | firstworks.org Kathleen Pletcher, executive artistic director

275 Westminster St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 421-4278

9

No

Yes

NA

Flagship Staffing Services | flagshipstaffing.com Susan Fabrizio, founder and president

1045 Warwick Ave., Suite 201 Warwick, R.I. 02888 (401) 277-2266

3

No

Yes

NA

The Groden Network 1 | grodennetwork.org Michael L. Pearis, CEO

610 Manton Ave. Providence, R.I. 02909 (401) 274-6310

420

No

No

NA

Hampton Inn Fall River/Westport | fallriverwestport.hamptoninn.com Mark Watkinson

53 Old Bedford Road Westport, Mass. 02790 (508) 675-8500

28

Yes

No

NA

The Hire LLC | thehire.com Tyler Wentworth, founding partner and CEO; Erin Pavane, founding partner and chief operating officer

188 Valley St. Providence, R.I. 02909 (888) 382-4473

24

No

Yes

NA

Holiday Inn Express Newport North Middletown | hiexpress.com Andrew Woodcock

855 West Main Road Middletown, R.I. 02842 (401) 848-7128

26

Yes

No

NA

Joseph Merritt & Co. | josephmerritt.com Kevin Perry, owner

405 Kilvert St., Unit D Warwick, R.I. 02886 (401) 272-9060

30

Yes

Yes

NA

Lafrance Hospitality | lafrancehospitality.com Richard Lafrance, CEO

41 Old Bedford Road Westport, Mass. 02790 (508) 676-7888

590

Yes

No

NA

Laid-back Fitness | laidbackfitness.com Ryan McGowan

2800 Post Road Warwick, R.I. 02886 (401) 871-8436

12

No

Yes

NA

Lifespan Corp. | Lifespan.org Dr. Timothy J. Babineau, CEO and president 2

167 Point St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 444-4000

16,651

Yes

Yes

NA

Medical Associates of Rhode Island Inc. | medassociatesofri.com Dr. Pamela Harrop, president

1180 Hope St. Bristol, R.I. 02809 (401) 253-8900

127

No

Yes

NA

Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island | nhpri.org Peter Marino

910 Douglas Pike Smithfield, R.I. 02917 (401) 459-6000

596

Yes

No

NA

Nixon Peabody LLP | nixonpeabody.com Stephen Zubiago, CEO and managing partner; Armando Batastini, Providence office managing partner

1 Citizens Plaza Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 454-1000

27

Yes

No

NA

Northeast Solar & Wind Power LLC | neastsolar.com Vito Buonomano, owner

937 Smith St. Providence, R.I. 02908 (401) 228-1900

4

Yes

NA

NA

1 The Groden Network includes the Groden Center, Cove Center and Halcyon Center.

2 Dr. Timothy J. Babineau will resign from Lifespan Corp. on May 31.

Amgen Inc. No. of local employees: 903

LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists for more information.

UPCOMING LISTS June 10: Chief Financial Officers, Regional Banks, Rhode Island Credit Unions; June 24: Providence Restaurants, Rhode Island Employers, Staffing Firms.

WANT TO JOIN? For more information about participating in PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, call (401) 680-4838 or write to Research@PBN.com.

NL = Not listed last year.

FOOTNOTES j The Groden Network includes the Groden Center, Cove Center and Halcyon Center.  Dr. Timothy J. Babineau will resign from Lifespan Corp. on May 31.

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 19

FOCUS | LAW REVIEW

Crypto can complicate trust, estate planning

BY MARC LAROCQUE | Larocque@PBN.com

“HODL,”

an abbreviation for “hold on for dear life,” has become a motto for a class of cryptocurrency enthusiasts who aren’t interested in selling.

But there comes a point for everyone – including crypto investors playing the long game – when dear life comes to an end.

A lot of crypto investors are not thinking about what might happen to their digital assets in the event of an untimely death, and the relatively young asset class is not typically an area of expertise for estate planners, according to industry specialists.

“I think it’s a pretty big problem,” said Leigh E. Furtado, an attorney and senior associate for the trust and estate groups at the Providence office of Day Pitney LLP. Furtado and others say estate planning for crypto is complicated by the fact that, unlike traditional assets such as stocks and bank savings, ownership of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ethereum are documented in a decentralized digital ledger that doesn’t record the name of the owner. The ability to access cryptocurrency involves wallet software and “cold wallet” hardware that are connected to the funds using pass-

codes, private keys or seed phrases, without an alternative means for recovery. And while banks and stock brokerages may offer beneficiary designation options, that’s not a function available through most cryptocurrency wallets.

“We might be seeing more and more cases where beneficiaries are unable to access what they know is a decedent’s estate,” Furtado said.

In the case that a beneficiary doesn’t have that key or seed phrase, those assets could basically die with the holder.

“It’s a real fear,” Furtado said. “There’s already been cases where the crypto assets have essentially been abandoned because the heirs had no knowledge or way of accessing the assets after the owner passed away.”

In 2018, Bloomberg reported on the case of Matthew Moody, who was an early adopter of cryptocurrency, owning three bitcoins worth about $100 each when he died in a plane crash nine years ago. One bitcoin peaked in value at about $64,000 last November, but Moody’s father was never able to gain access to the assets.

These issues persist as the public’s interest in trading cryptocurrency grows.

According to a Pew Research Center survey

‘It’s an area that clients are increasingly asking about.’

LEIGH E. FURTADO, Day Pitney LLP attorney and senior associate 20 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

CRYPTO ­CONCERNS: Leigh E. Furtado, attorney and senior associate at the law firm Day Pitney LLP, says she’s finding more clients inquiring about protecting their crypto­currency during estate planning.

PBN PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO

released in November, 16% of U.S. adults said they personally invested in, traded or otherwise used cryptocurrency, up from 1% who bought or sold bitcoin in 2015. The entire crypto market has reached a market value of $1 trillion since its inception about a decade ago.

Furtado, who’s been in estate planning for seven years, said cryptocurrency holders still make up a small percentage of her clients. But since a bitcoin enthusiast client first came to her with questions about passing on his digital assets about two years ago, sparking her interest in the matter, estate planning for cryptocurrency is “slowly starting to become part” of her normal practice.

Furtado says it’s now important for estate planners to develop the knowledge to be able to craft a conveyance plan on behalf of clients, with clear instructions allowing trustees and beneficiaries to gain access to their crypto wallet.

“They have to have some direction on where to look after you pass away to access the assets and transfer them,” she said.

Furtado says there are new services that will help people protect their key or seed phrase – which is often written down on paper – from being misplaced. There are startup companies offering technology designed for crypto inheritance, such as a “dead man’s switch” that allows heirs to claim access to digital assets if the owner does not respond to an alert within a preset amount of time, with the presumption that the owner is dead or incapacitated.

“I think those things will develop.

Right now, from our perspective, we have to tell the client this is something you really have to think about and plan around so you don’t lose the assets,” Furtado said.

Jessica Grande, a senior client adviser for Boston wealth management firm Levatus LLC, says another consideration for financial firms is how the volatility of cryptocurrency prices can impact the step-up in basis for capital gains taxes on inheritances.

A step-up in basis is a tax break on capital gains that resets the fair market value of an inherited asset to the time of death for the original owner.

Grande says it’s not clear whether the federal tax code can provide a step-up in basis for crypto assets.

“That could bring up new challenges for estate planners or investment managers,” Grande said.

Furtado said at this point, “there’s not a lot” of specific guidance from the IRS or other federal agencies about how the government will treat cryptocurrencies in the estate planning process.

“We’re applying basic property law considerations to estate planning for crypto,” Furtado said. “But a lot of the federal and state agencies have set their sights on cryptocurrencies for the coming years. I’m expecting more regulations on how these assets will be taxed and handled at the time of death. We’re waiting to see. … It’s an area that clients are increasingly asking about. It’s an area that’s going to evolve over time.” n

A full-service law firm representing individuals and business entities in multiple practice areas.

The structure and culture of our Firm allows us to meet the needs of our clients by providing the highest quality legal work, while maintaining the personalized attention each client deserves.

Cameron & Mittleman’s Partner-led service allows for the responsiveness and flexibility of a smaller firm, while a streamlined organization gives us the unique ability to deliver sophisticated legal solutions promptly, on a personal level, at reasonable rates.

We are consistently responsive to the often critical timing needs of our clients.

301 Promenade Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02908 Phone 401.331.5700 | Fax 401.331.5787 | www.cm-law.com www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 21

FOCUS | LAW REVIEW BAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The state’s standards are now “on par with its peers,” said Brittany Raposa, a professor and associate director of the bar exam program at the Roger Williams University School of Law, “and I think it maximized a student’s ability to practice in Rhode Island.”

When the passing score was set at 276, Rhode Island had one of the highest passing standards in the U.S. Today, only two states – Colorado and Alaska – require a score of 276 or higher to pass the exam.

Rhode Island now has the fifth-highest passing standard in the country, matching 15 other states.

The six-point drop in the pass-fail line may seem small, Raposa said, “but it matters since many people do score between a 270 and a 275.”

The exam scoring varies based on a national scaling model, but it’s possible that six points could be the difference of getting a few of the exam’s 200 multiple choice questions wrong, or a couple points off on a written question, Raposa says.

These relatively small mistakes can add up to a big financial loss for those who will have to retake the test. Sitting for the bar exam costs $975 in Rhode Island, and test preparation can range from $2,000 to $3,600, Raposa says.

In its ruling, the state Supreme Court offered few details on the reasoning behind lowering the passing grade, but it said that the change followed recommendations from the state Board of Bar Examiners.

The court implemented the change at a time when “there was a movement across the country to make the testing and scoring more uniform,” said Craig N. Berke, director of communications for the R.I. Judiciary.

Shortly before Rhode Island lowered its score, California took a similar step.

In 2018, Rhode Island joined the Uniform Bar Examination, a system allowing candidates to transfer their bar exam score from one state to another if they wish to practice law elsewhere.

Forty-one states now follow this system.

Lowering the passing score on the bar exam, Berke says, continues Rhode Island’s alignment with other states.

Observers say that lowering the passing score also helps to ease equity issues around the bar exam, which disproportionately impact low-income students and students of color.

“We know that fewer people of color pass the bar exam due to differences in resources that are required to study for the bar exam,” said Eric J. Mitnick, dean of the University of Massachusetts School of Law, “and that difference in cut scores makes a big difference.”

Even a small change is significant because “bar-takers end up clustered right around the cut score,” Mitnick said.

TEST CRITIC: Eric J. Mitnick, dean of the University of Massachusetts School of Law in Dartmouth, stands outside the Licht Judicial Complex in Providence. Mitnick is among the legal observers who believe the bar exam should be changed to better test the skills would-be attorneys will need to practice law.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

So far, there have been mixed results for Rhode Island test-takers. Sixty-four percent passed the bar exam in February 2021 – the first group affected by the new passing score, then 77% passed in July that year. But in February 2022, the pass rate sank to 40%, the lowest percentage in five years.

Some in the profession want to see a more dramatic change to the bar exam. Detractors say the exam does not accurately reflect a practicing lawyer’s abilities.

“A lot of us push for an exam that’s more geared towards what a student would experience in practice,” which doesn’t necessarily involve memorizing large volumes of law, Raposa said.

A more accurate measure of a would-be attorney’s abilities could be demonstrated through legal writing, Raposa says. Some advocate for an oral component of the exam.

Still, others say the bar exam remains an im-

‘A lot of us push for an exam that’s more geared towards what a student would experience in practice.’

BRITTANY RAPOSA, Roger Williams University School of Law professor 22 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

portant aspect of a lawyer’s preparation. In his dissenting opinion of lowering the passing score, R.I. Supreme Court Justice William P. Robinson said that passing the exam is “an important prerequisite to admission to the bar.”

“In view of the fact that the professional services of lawyers are very often sought by members of the public, who come from a wide diversity of backgrounds, I believe that society is better served by the maintaining of demanding (but nonetheless reasonable) standards for entry into the legal profession,” Robinson wrote.

Conversations on bar exam reform are also taking place on a wider level: the National Conference of Bar Examiners is developing a “Next Gen Bar Exam,” a test intended to better emphasize day-to-day skills used by attorneys, rather than memorization. The reformed test is planned to roll out in 2026.

To Mitnick, this change couldn’t come soon enough.

“The test itself is problematic,” Mitnick said.

“It’s a grueling regimen. You have to memorize hundreds of pages of legal doctrines – probably in many areas that you’ll never practice law – and you don’t have to memorize that material when you’re working on a case.”

As a practicing lawyer, not looking up a case could even amount to malpractice, he says.

But until a larger change to the bar exam, “270 is sort of the consensus score among states,” Mitnick said. n

LAW REVIEW | FOCUS w

Unparalleled Experience Unsurpassed Service Unmatched Dedication

WOMEN IN BANKING & ACCOUNTING

Publishes June 10, 2022 Deadline: June 1, 2022

Recognizing women in Banking and Accounting who are navigating company restructuring, serving on boards, investing in growth, and mentoring the next generation, while making an impact on their communities.

Profile women leaders, new or veteran, in this special feature in the PBN Banking & Finance Focus Section on June 10.

McIntyre w tate navIgatIng coMplex legal Issues:

Don’t miss this chance to share your success!

Divorce ◆ Child Custody ◆ Child Support Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements Business & Commercial Litigation

Reserve your ad space by contacting Advertising@PBN.com or 401-680-4800.

50 Park Row West w Suite 109 w Providence, RI 02903 w ph 401.351.7700 mcintyretate.com

A Few Tickets Remain JUNE 8, 2022

BESTPLACES TO

Awards Ceremony Crowne Plaza, Warwick

WORK★RI 2022 AWARDS

REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND

partner sponsors

partner and gift sponsor

Access the registration page by hovering over the QR code with your phone camera or visit PBN.com/events

For sponsorship and advertising opportunities, contact 680.4800 or Advertising@PBN.com

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 23

INTELLECTUALPROPERTY PROPERTYLAWYERS LAWYERS FOCUS | |INTELLECTUAL

(ranked by number of local intellectual property lawyers)

(ranked by number of local intellectual property lawyers) 2022 rank

1

2021: 1

2

2021: 2

3

2021: 3

4

2021: 4

CLOSER LOOK

Law firm | Website Managing partner(s)

Address Phone

No. IP lawyers Total lawyers

Adler Pollock & Sheehan PC | apslaw.com Robert Brooks

1 Citizens Plaza, 8th Floor Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 274-7200

14 54

Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP 1 | hinckleyallen.com David Rubin

100 Westminster St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 274-2000

13 55

Construction, corporate, health care, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, trusts and estates

Duffy & Sweeney Ltd. | duffysweeney.com Michael Sweeney and Robert Duffy, co-founders and managing partners

321 South Main St., Suite 400 Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 455.0700

6 15

Business law, intellectual property, litigation

Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP | psh.com Howard Merten

40 Westminster St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 861-8200

5 31

Business, commercial real estate, employment and labor, intellectual property and technology, litigation

Firm specialties

Patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret litigation, patent prosecution, life sciences

Ranked by total lawyers:

1

Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP Total lawyers: 55

2

Adler Pollock & Sheehan PC Total lawyers: 54

3

Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP Total lawyers: 31

LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette

5 2021: 5

McInnes & McLane LLP | mcmcip.com John McInnes, partner and head of litigation; JodiAnn McLane, partner and head of intellectual property procurement

128 Dorrance St., Suite 220 Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 223-5853

Barlow Josephs & Holmes Ltd. | barjos.com Stephen Holmes and David Josephs, partners

40 Westminster St., 3rd Floor Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 273-4446

Lynch & Pine Attorneys at Law LLC | lynchpine.com Jeffrey Pine and Patrick Lynch, partners

4 4

Copyrights, litigation and defense, patents, trademarks

3 3

Patent prosecution, patent searching, patent validity, trademark prosecution, trademark searching and clearance, brand protection, copyright, counterfeit enforcement, intellectual property enforcement actions, licensing

1 Park Row, 5th Floor Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 274-3306

3 8

Business and civil litigation, criminal defense, estate administration, family law, intellectual property, personal injury

Wistow, Sheehan & Loveley PC | wsl-lawoffice.com Max Wistow, Stephen Sheehan and A. Loveley, partners

61 Weybosset St. Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 831-2700

3 5

Adoption malpractice, auto injuries, commercial/ bad-faith litigation, civil rights, employment law, intellectual property, medical malpractice

9

Reavis Law LLC | reavis-law.com James Reavis

245 Waterman St., Suite 109 Providence, R.I. 02906 (401) 272-5520

2 2

Business and corporate law, commercial real estate, debt and equity finance, intellectual property

9

McLaughlinQuinn LLC | mclaughlinquinn.com Thomas Quinn

148 West River St. Providence, R.I. 02904 (401) 421-5115

2 10

Bankruptcy, business and corporate, estate planning, IRS/state tax resolution, tax planning, intellectual property

11

Renner Law LLC | rennerlawllc.com Eric Renner, owner

50 South Main St., Suite 202 Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 404-5251

1 1

Business litigation, intellectual property litigation

11

Michael M. de Angeli PC | ripatentlaw.com Michael de Angeli

34 Court St. Jamestown, R.I. 02835 (401) 423-3190

1 1

Patents and other intellectual property

2021: 9

Law Office of Henry V. Boezi III PC | hvbiiilaw.com Henry V. Boezi III, owner

382 Webster Ave. Cranston, R.I. 02920 (401) 996-8120

1 1

Bankruptcy, collection defense, intellectual property, probate and guardianship

11 2021: 9

Roberts, Carroll, Feldstein & Peirce Inc. | rcfp.com Edward Avila, managing shareholder and president

10 Weybosset St., Suite 800 Providence, R.I. 02903 (401) 521-7000

1 18

Business and corporate, commercial lending, government relations, insurance defense, insurance/health care licensing and regulation, intellectual property

6

2021: 5

6

2021: NL

6 2021: NL

2021: 7

2021: 7

2021: 9

2021: 9

11

1 Also known as Hinckley Allen.

24 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists for more information.

UPCOMING LISTS June 10: Chief Financial Officers, Regional Banks, Rhode Island Credit Unions; June 24: Providence Restaurants, Rhode Island Employers, Staffing Firms.

WANT TO JOIN? For more information about participating in PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, call (401) 680-4838 or write to Research@PBN.com.

NL = Not listed last year.

FOOTNOTE j Also known as Hinckley Allen.

GAMBLING In just four years, effects of sports betting widespread

BY WAYNE PARRY | The Associated Press

ON

the anniversary of the decision in a case brought by New Jersey in midMay, two-thirds of the states in the country have legalized sports betting.

In just four years, the industry has worked itself into the daily lives of millions of Americans – from those who plunk down money hoping for a certain outcome to those who watch TV broadcasts with odds calculations to those struggling with gambling problems.

You don’t have to be a gambler – or even a sports fan – to be affected: The industry tsunami of advertising is practically impossible to avoid, particularly on TV and radio but in other media as well.

In May 2018, the Supreme Court decided a case that had begun 10 years earlier in New Jersey as the longest of long shots: a bid to overturn a federal law, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, that restricted sports betting to just four states that met a 1991 deadline to legalize it.

Ray Lesniak, the now-retired state senator who filed the first lawsuit against the federal government over the issue, said he acted to provide money for states, to protect consumers and to attract experienced European betting companies to expand to the U.S. – all of which he said has come to pass.

“I made a good bet for New Jersey and for America,” he said, metaphorically speaking.

“When PASPA was repealed, I don’t think any of us would have expected how big the [industry] would be just four short years later,” said Karol Corcoran, general manager of FanDuel’s online sportsbook.

DraftKings co-founder and President Matt Kalish said: “I got into this industry because I was always the kind of kid who liked to predict things,

to compete with my friends and make predictions.

For people that like to do that, sports betting has become far and away the No. 1 thing.”

To comprehend just how much $125 billion is, consider this: it’s a bit more than the amount that was spent on pet food, supplies and veterinary care in the entire country last year, and more than the net income for America’s farmers last year.

Of course, much of that money was paid out to people who won bets. After expenses, the sportsbooks generally keep less than 10% of the total amount of bets they handle. Over the first four years of legal betting, their revenue figure is $8.8 billion, according to the American Gaming As-

‘I don’t think any of us would have expected how big the [industry] would be.’

KAROL CORCORAN, FanDuel online sportsbook general manager

RISKING IT: A customer receives a betting ticket in the sports betting lounge at the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City, N.J., recently. American gamblers have wagered over $125 billion on sports with legal betting outlets in the four years since the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for states to offer legal sports betting.

AP PHOTO/WAYNE PARRY

sociation, the gambling industry’s national trade group.

A major rationale for the push to legalize sports betting was to protect customers from being victimized by unlicensed bookmakers, many operating as part of organized crime. State regulations include robust consumer protections, with watchdog regulators ready to pounce when they see violations.

But making sports betting legal has not succeeded in wiping out illegal gambling. Just look at any of the numerous sports betting Facebook groups, where unlicensed books in other countries tout their offerings.

Sports betting has been, and still is, pitched to state lawmakers as a source of new tax revenue, a particularly tempting option in trying financial times. It has generated $1.3 billion in state and local taxes since 2018 according to the AGA, but the amount many states keep is a mere drop in the bucket compared with their overall budget.

In Rhode Island, where sports betting has been legal since May 2018 and mobile betting since 2020, sports gambling pumped $19.1 million into Rhode Island’s general fund in fiscal 2021, derived from the total $37.1 million in profit collected by the sportsbook. The state’s entire budget totals $13 billion.

As of Friday, 35 states plus Washington, D.C., have legalized sports betting, with 30 of those up and running, according to the AGA. Competing measures will be on the November ballot in a state that has been the holy grail for sports betting: California, where wrangling between tribal casinos and commercial gambling companies has made the potential outcome unclear.

Turn on a television and no matter what you’re watching, the odds are good that you will be bombarded with ads for sports betting.

In December, Bill Miller, CEO and president of the American Gaming Association, called the level of sports betting advertising “an unsustainable arms race.” There are calls in some quarters for voluntary industry self-regulation of advertising in order to head off the possibility of the type of strict government regulation that exists in England.

Already, Massachusetts lawmakers are considering banning sports betting ads immediately before, during and immediately after live broadcasts of sporting events.

Kalish, the DraftKings president, said the current level of ads is necessary for “the onboarding of customers” and compared it to the level of advertisements for other new products such as cryptocurrency.

“I don’t think that’s necessarily a forever state,” he said of the current ad levels.

Felicia Grondin, executive director of The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, cited a report in Barron’s that said $292 million was spent on sports betting ads in the U.S. in 2020.

A year later, it had grown to $725 million.

With the added exposure and the easier availability of betting on a mobile phone (more than 80% of sports bets are placed this way in the U.S.) came an increase in people seeking help for gambling problems related to sports betting, Grondin said.

“It’s very easy to gamble today,” Grondin testified before New Jersey lawmakers recently.

“You can just take out your phone and sit on your couch.” n With reports from PBN.

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 25

IT’S PERSONAL Duffy named Crossroads chair JULIE DUFFY, executive vice president of human resources for Providence-based manufacturing conglomerate Textron Inc., was recently appointed as the new chairperson for Crossroads Rhode Island’s board of trustees. Duffy succeeds the outgoing chair, Jack McConnell.

Why did you want to be part of Crossroads’ board?

I was drawn to its mission. I went to a Jesuit college where the values of caring for the whole person and respect were ingrained in me. The work Crossroads does to provide individuals and families with immediate support and long-term stability is so closely aligned with those values. But that’s only part of what turned me on to Crossroads. I also saw an organization that is focused on effectiveness. Many other social service and housing organizations are set on great missions and driven by good intentions but measure outputs rather than outcomes. As I explored joining the Crossroads board, I saw a leadership team and a board that were focused on creating better outcomes for every individual and every family.

What are your plans for the organization as the board chairperson?

I want to build on the foundation that Jack McConnell has poured. We have ambitious plans to continue building housing for low-income families and individuals and expanding partnerships with health care providers.

When we do those things, we will need fewer shelters and will create more economic opportunity for more people. On an operational level, I also hope to support the staff and leadership. Crossroads is one of the bestrun organizations in Rhode Island and that’s in large part due to the fact the leadership team and board have been aligned on mission and direction for so long.

How much affordable housing is needed to make a serious dent in the state’s homelessness problem?

It is encouraging to see state leaders dedicating [American Rescue Plan Act funds] and other funding toward housing at this time. The experts I rely on have said we need to build around 2,500 low-income units to make a dent in the homelessness problem. To do so, we will need more resources than what the administration proposed. This investment is worth it. We know that when families and individuals have access to safe, permanent and affordable housing, they are very unlikely to experience homelessness again, their kids do better in school, and they have better health outcomes. I believe that Rhode Island can be one of the first states in the U.S. to end homelessness. But to do it, we need to take advantage of this once-in-a-century opportunity.

What new initiatives is Crossroads working on to help the homeless in Rhode Island?

We’re going to continue to focus on building more lowincome housing. We have several projects in the works already and we hope to identify other opportunities. We also plan to continue the hard work to break down silos and expand initiatives that connect health and housing.

And lastly, we’ll focus on strengthening housing and resources for families with children. Crossroads’ work and impact goes far beyond shelter, though that will remain a central part of our identity for as long as people need shelter. n

| SPONSORED CONTENT |

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE HEALTH CARE Donald R. Murphy, DC, FRCC has joined the

Spine Team at Ortho Rhode Island, which offers a patient-centered, holistic approach to spine care.

Dr. Murphy provides non-operative primary spine care for patients with back and neck problems. His multi-

Announce new hires, promotions and special accomplishments to the Rhode Island business community.

The STANDARD listing includes 1 photo, 90-100 words of text, clickable links to your website, social media sharing and keywords to optimize search, and is: • published on PBN.com within 24 hours and archived on our site.

• printed in PBN. • featured on a PBN Daily Edition newsletter.

modal approach focuses on helping patients find the best care pathways for their conditions, and he applies techniques like manipulation and other manual therapies, a variety of exercise approaches, and patient education and self-care. Dr. Murphy is now accepting patients at Ortho Rhode Island’s stateof-the-art Warwick Campus.

For additional information or to submit a Standard listing, go to PBN.com/pbnconnect.

26 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

Featured Listings The FEATURED listing includes all Standard listing elements, in a larger format, with company logo and 100 additional words of text (sample at left).

HEALTH CARE Christopher N. Chihlas, MD MD has joined the Orthopedics team at Ortho Rhode Island. A boardcertified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Chihlas specializes in sports medicine of the foot and ankle, and is an expert in operative and non-operative care of all orthopedic conditions, injuries, and illness, including orthopedic fragility and osteoporosis. He is an adjunct clinical assistant Professor at Boston University School of Medicine, and an official team physician for the Providence College Friars.

He is now accepting patients at both Ortho Rhode Island’s state-of-the-art Warwick Campus and their Providence office.

For a Featured listing, contact your account manager or Advertising@PBN.com 401.680.4800

IT’S PERSONAL MACKAY’S MORAL | HARVEY MACKAY

Be an effective leader A YOUNG PRINCE, deposed when an enemy overran his kingdom, fled to a neighboring realm where a friend ruled as king. He hoped his friend would grant him a new kingdom. Instead, the king gave him 100 sheep.

Surprised and puzzled, the prince took his sheep out to a field. Soon a pack of wolves attacked and killed all the sheep.

The prince told his friend what had happened, and the king ordered that the prince be given 50 sheep. But again, the wolves came, ravaging his flock. He returned to the king, and this time was given 25 sheep.

But now the prince thought to himself, “If I don’t take care of these sheep, I won’t get any more.” So, he built fences and hired guards. In a short time, his herd grew to 500 sheep.

When he told his friend, the king ordered that the prince be given a nearby territory to rule.

“Why now?” the prince asked.

The king replied: “When you first came to me, you took leadership for granted. Today you understand that to lead wisely, you must take care of others.”

Leadership is not about control. It’s about taking care of and concentrating on your people.

Effective leaders demonstrate three traits that are important: compassion, authenticity and consistency.

Compassion is defined as “a sense of shared suffering, most often combined with a desire to alleviate the suffering of another and to show special kindness to them.”

When you show your people that they are more than drones who show up to get the job done, they will see you as more than just the paycheck dispenser.

Leaders must learn to sacrifice for others. Take the example of the famous general Alexander the Great, who led his army across a desert. After 11 days out, he and all the soldiers were near death from thirst. A soldier offered him a cup of precious water.

Alexander asked, “Is there enough there for 10,000 men?”

When the soldier shook his head no, Alexander poured the water out on the desert sands.

Authentic leaders are genuine and

believable. They are trustworthy.

Trust is central to leadership. People must be able to trust that their leaders are doing the right thing for them, as well as for their customers.

Leaders need to be consistent.

People should always know what is expected of them and how they will be treated. Consistency develops routines and builds momentum.

Managers and leaders must be consistent in their behavior and attitude.

This sets a good example and eases concerns.

Leadership is so much more than just bossing people around. While almost everyone has a boss of some kind, the fortunate ones also have a good leader. Harry Gordon Selfridge, developer of one of the largest department stores in London, achieved success by being a leader rather than a boss. He said this of the two types of executives: “The boss drives the people; the leader coaches them.

Leaders must learn to sacrifice for others.

REGIONAL PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES

“The boss depends upon authority; the leader on goodwill.

“The boss says ‘I’; the leader, ‘We.’ “The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown.

“The boss knows how it is done; the leader shows how.

“The boss says ‘Go’; the leader says, ‘Let’s go.’ ” General Dwight Eisenhower used a simple device to illustrate the art of leadership. Laying a piece of string on a table, he’d illustrate how you could easily pull it in any direction.

“However, try and push it,” he cautioned, “and it won’t go anywhere. It’s just that way when it comes to leading people.”

Eisenhower, who went on to become president, understood that you can’t push people around. You must work with them and pull them along.

Mackay’s Moral: Leadership is the only ship that doesn’t pull into a safe port in a storm. n Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times bestseller “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive.” He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com.

2022

Reserve a profile for your organization to maximize your exposure and communicate your mission to the region’s top business and philanthropic leaders.

Your organization can be part of our multi-media advertising opportunity.

YOU GET: High impact visibility, the right audience and yearlong presence through print and online exposure, and distributed to all attendees of the AFP National Philanthropy Day 2022 Awards Ceremony in November.

Reserve your spot today ABOUT PBN READERS:

• 54% are CEO/President/Partner/Owner of their company • 93% influence decisions at their companies

PUBLISH DATE: October 28, 2022 | MATERIALS DUE: September 28, 2022 Contact your account manager or Advertising@PBN.com 401-680-4800 today to reserve your space. www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 27

IT’S PERSONAL GUEST COLUMN | JOHN C. AYERS

A firm’s value lies in 4 C’s SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND is peppered with family businesses; many of them are multi-generational companies stretching into the third and fourth generation of family ­ownership.

Over the past 10 years, there has been a revolution where many of these companies aren’t being passed on to the next generation. Instead, they are being sold to larger competitors or professional investors.

Why? Chief among the reasons is the speed of change in the business community, making it more difficult for smaller, less-sophisticated companies to adapt and compete. Also, the access to capital and low cost of capital has made transactions easier to finance. And in many cases, the next generation is not interested in the family company. This makes the emotional choice of selling the company easier.

And now, after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, selling the company has become a welcomed choice. However, there are many questions the owner needs to consider. Among them: What is the company worth? Will the employees be taken care of? Will I be able to live the life I want? And most pressing – where do I

begin with all of this?

The business owner could begin by looking in many different places, but let’s skip the tedious analysis just for a moment. Let’s begin by taking a more fundamental approach so that there’s a true understanding of where the real “drivers of value” are. And this is a great place to start because with value, owners have the leverage to solve many, if not all, the questions they may have. And for many, value is not where they may think it is.

Traditionally, we might be inclined to look first at the balance sheet, particularly fixed assets. While this notion may have been true in earlier times, today it’s the intangible assets driving value and cash flow.

Christopher M. Snider of the Exit Planning Institute argues in his book “Walking to Destiny” that up to 80% of business value lies in intangible assets. These can be categorized into four areas: human capital, customer capital, structural capital and social

MARKETPLACE

capital. Collectively, Snider refers to these as the “4 C’s.”

Human capital is the intellectual talent that exists in the company.

This is vital to understand and is atop the list for good reason. As Jim Collins points out in the book “Good to Great,” it is not only important to have smart, dedicated people, but it is also important that they are working efficiently and fluidly as a team.

Human capital does not include the owner. Presumably, if a business is sold, the owner is not part of the deal.

Customer capital is the quality of the relationships with customers.

This includes not only the length or the contractual obligations already in place but also how integral the company is to the customer. Consider a smartphone. It likely contains a user’s digital wallet, schedule, contact list and every photo taken in the past 10 years; it’s arguably that user’s most important possession. That builds loyalty.

Today it’s the intangible assets driving value.

HELP WANTED Project Manager for gaming and technology services company. Position duties are planning and overseeing delivery and deployment of commercial gaming software & hardware systems and remote gaming server integrations for gaming industry clients including analyzing requirements for software and system implementation; reviewing product specifications and product design features with clients; defining project engineering activities, milestones and dependencies; performing risk identification and risk management analysis; developing and planning delivery schedules, budgets & finances forecasting; overseeing quality assurance requirements throughout software production lifecycle and coordinating preparation and delivery of project deliverables. Requires two (2) years’ experience in the job duties as stated. Position is located in Providence, RI with 45% travel.

Position may require the individual to work at various unanticipated client locations throughout the U.S. Send resume to IGT Global Solutions Corp. by email to Sheila.Shovelton@IGT.com. Please indicate PMDPRI in response.

PBN ­M ARKETPLACE An ideal way to promote Real Estate listings and Employment opportunities, Announcements and Legal Notices, inexpensively and effectively.

ADVERTISING DEADLINE: Noon Friday, one week prior to publication.

CONTACT

Linda Foster | 401-680-4812 | Foster@PBN.com 28 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

Structural capital is the collection of written procedures, processes, patents, trade secrets and other knowledge that enables a company to perform at a high level.

Social capital is the way the “ecosystem” views the company. In other words, reputation. Of course, with the growth of social media, bad news spreads faster than ever before, and purchases often aren’t made by customers without checking online reviews first.

I find that business owners tend to spend an inordinate amount of time on issues such as inventory and real estate. Although these components are essential to the business, they are not what your buyer is interested in. Real estate can be bought or sold, and more inventory can be ordered.

But creating a team of people and a process that serves a customer base that relies on a company provides an opportunity to create substantially more value and sustainable long-term cash flow. Focus on the “4 C’s” to drive value. n John C. Ayers is a financial adviser with the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley in Providence.

OPINION EDITORIALS

Employers must set the standard for impairment under marijuana law

NEW DAY: Rhode Island is now the 19th state to legalize recreational marijuana use.

The new law allows employers to prohibit marijuana use in the workplace but doesn’t define how to determine whether an employee is under the influence.

PBN FILE PHOTO/MIKE SALERNO

Once Massachusetts, then Connecticut legalized recreational use of marijuana by adults, local business leaders who have long opposed it knew Rhode Island would eventually join them.

Their biggest concern has always been ensuring that legalization wouldn’t keep employers from banning marijuana use in the workplace. Legislative leaders who helped craft the bill quickly approved by lawmakers on May 24 and then signed into law insist employers will maintain that right.

But where prohibition of marijuana use by employees begins and ends remains a gray legal area, especially where workplace safety is not an obvious issue.

For example, the law does not offer a standard for what constitutes being “under the influence” of marijuana in the workplace.

Sen. Joshua Miller, D-Cranston, told PBN that such a standard under the law will be an issue for the employer and employee to resolve, much like alcohol use is now. “[Employers] navigate that every day,” he said.

But what if the employee doesn’t believe they are under the influence or thinks they are being unfairly targeted for testing?

Miller, a Senate sponsor of the legislation, acknowledges that if such disputes turn into legal challenges, then lawmakers may have to revisit the issue.

For now, he urges employers who have not already included marijuana use in drug policies to do so, so employees are clear on what is not allowed.

While retail recreational sales won’t begin until Dec. 1, under the new law Rhode Islanders are already allowed to now grow at home and use small amounts of ­marijuana. n

Veterans are answering call for workers With many workplaces struggling with fallout from the “Great Resignation,” it’s no surprise to see veterans increasingly stepping into the breach.

Veteran unemployment peaked nationally at the onset of the pandemic at 12.1% in April 2020. Since then, however, as many employers have struggled to fill open positions, that number has sharply dropped below the nonveteran rate, to 2.4%.

Veterans have historically struggled to make the transition to the civilian workforce. Like other states, Rhode Island has a host of programs and groups dedicated to helping veterans and employers utilize military skills and training in the workplace.

Among their attributes, a sense of “trust, duty and commitment … not typically found in the same levels in civilians,” said Jeremy Tolleson, R.I. Department of Labor and Training veteran program manager.

That means they’re typically team players, which many employers need now more than ever. n

POLL CENTRAL EXECUTIVE POLL

Entrenched in the community Do you reside in the same state as your company?

Yes: 86%

Is it important that you be actively involved in the community you work in?

Yes: 100%

No: 14% No: 0%

Are you actively involved in the community you work in?

Yes: 100% No: 0% The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries.

What activities have you engaged in or attended within the community your company is based? (Select multiple) Organization club/board meetings: 100%

PBN.COM POLL

Are you concerned about new leadership coming to the state’s two biggest health care systems at the same time? MAY 13-19 No, new leadership will bring fresh perspective and ideas

Yes, the lost experience at Lifespan Corp. and Care New England Health System will be hard to replace

9.5%

41%

Yes, both health systems face major financial and staffing challenges

No, both retiring leaders will help ensure their replacements hit the ground running

37%

I don’t know

6%

Charity fundraisers: 100% Work-related events: 86% Entertainment events: 63% Volunteer work: 50% Other: 25%

7%

Does the owner of Rhode Island’s two casinos deserve to have its property taxes reduced in Lincoln and Tiverton due to lost revenue related to COVID-19?

THIS WEEK’S POLL:

• Yes, it deserves the same tax consideration as other business owners • No, Bally’s should not look to cash-strapped towns for COVID-related tax relief • I’m not sure To vote, go to PBN.com and follow the link on the home page www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 29

OPINION OPINION

The supply chain lesson from pandemic

ANISH A. SURYA GUEST COLUMN

COVID-19 has exposed the skewness in the globalized supply chain. During the pandemic, the disruption of the value chain was common across most, if not all, industries and geographies. Because of that, businesses virtually entered hibernation mode, dropping the exchange of goods to an abysmal level.

To prepare for the next big disruption, companies need to build resilience in their supply chains.

The complexity and dependency of the global supply chain are vast. An auto manufacturer has around 250 tier-one suppliers, on average. The number of suppliers booms to 18,000 across the full value chain. Aerospace manufacturers have an average of 200 tier-one suppliers and 12,000 across all tiers.

Technology companies have an average of 125 suppliers in their tier-one group and more than 7,000 across all tiers. Managing such an intricate web of suppliers is a Herculean task.

Even though we cannot predict exactly when big shocks will occur, we can identify the critical components in the chain. Thereafter, companies can then assess the risk of interruption from tier-two and onward suppliers. This stage of planning should include asking direct questions of tier-one organizations about who and where their suppliers are (also called supply-chain mapping) and creating information-sharing agreements to

determine any disruption being faced in tiertwo organizations and beyond.

This planning and transparency will help organizations to take timely action (such as alternative sources or estimate of available inventory) without causing much disruption downstream of the value chain.

New England is highly developed with major industries such as food processing, textile, engineering, chemical, shipbuilding and automotive industries. This industrial cluster can be leveraged to produce at least the safety stocks needed to keep the production running and enable timely delivery to customers.

Technology plays an imperative role, too.

By exploiting technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics, companies can automate warehouse operations, improve delivery times, effectively manage inventory, optimize strategic sourcing relationships, and create new customer experiences, which leads to increased customer satisfaction and hence loyalty.

At my previous employer, Tata Projects Ltd., an engineering and construction company based in India, we used drones at various project sites for monitoring the progress of the work and quality inspection. The company is planning to adopt innovative technology such as virtual reality to show clients how projects will look long before

Now is the time for organizations to build ‘resilience as a choice.’

their completion, which will surely enhance customer stickiness. New England, too, is a hub for various technology companies. This source of competitive advantage can be leveraged by firms to create agility to respond to any adverse challenges hitting the supply chain.

One of the most deliberated topics in the boardrooms during this pandemic was the dependence on China for supplies, which exposed the weakest link in the sourcing strategy. Is it not the right time to diversify the sourcing base to minimize future supply shocks? Relocating the manufacturing base to other countries in a phased manner can be a good value proposition. This could involve some combination of reverting to domestic production (critical components can be manufactured in the U.S.), “nearshoring” (which can reduce not only the logistics cost but also the delivery time) and shifting to different offshore locations.

In this regard, India stands out as an attractive option thanks to its strategic location, large domestic market, skilled labor and competitive labor costs. As a reference, production of some 16% to 26% of global trade, worth $2.9 trillion to $4.6 trillion, could move across different borders in the medium term.

Now is the time for organizations to build “resilience as a choice” by mapping their supply chains, rebalancing their sourcing base and exploiting technology in their business models so that they are better prepared for any disruptions in the future. n Anish A. Surya is a Ph.D. student in supply chain management at the University of Rhode Island.

Too many crops aren’t used to feed people DEEPAK RAY GUEST COLUMN

Rising competition for many of the world’s important crops is sending increasing amounts toward uses other than directly feeding people. These competing uses include making biofuels; converting crops into processing ingredients, such as livestock meal, hydrogenated oils and starches; and selling them on global markets to countries that can afford to pay for them.

In a newly published study, my co-authors and I estimate that in 2030, only 29% of the global harvests of 10 major crops may be directly consumed as food in the countries where they were produced, down from about 51% in the 1960s. We also project that, because of this trend, the world is unlikely to achieve a top sustainable development goal: ending hunger by 2030.

Another 16% of harvests of these crops in 2030 will be used as feed for livestock, along with significant portions of the crops that go to processing. This ultimately produces eggs, meat and milk – products that typically are eaten by middle- and upper-income people, rather than those who are undernourished.

Diets in poor countries rely on staple foods such as rice, corn, bread and vegetable oils.

The crops that we studied – barley, cassava, corn, oil palm, rapeseed, rice, sorghum, soybean, sugar cane and wheat – together account for more than 80% of all calories from harvested crops. Our study shows that calorie production in these crops increased

by more than 200% between the 1960s and the 2010s.

Today, however, harvests of crops for processing, exports and industrial uses are booming. By 2030, we estimate that processing, export and industrial-use crops will likely account for 50% of harvested calories worldwide. When we add the calories locked in crops used as animal feed, we calculate that by 2030, roughly 70% of all harvested calories of these top 10 crops will go to uses other than directly feeding hungry people.

These profound changes show how and where agriculture and agribusiness are responding to the growth of the global middle class.

Many crops grown for export, processing and industrial uses are specially bred varieties of the 10 major crops that we analyzed.

For example, only about 1% of corn grown in the U.S. is sweet corn, the type that people eat fresh, frozen or canned. The rest is mostly field corn, which is used to make biofuels, animal feed and food additives.

Crops grown for these uses produce more calories per unit of land than those harvested for direct food use, and that gap is widening. We calculate that industrial-use crops already yield twice as many calories as those harvested for direct food consumption, and their yield is increasing 2.5 times faster.

The amount of protein per unit of land from processing crops is twice that of food

30 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

crops and is increasing at 1.8 times the rate of food crops. Crops harvested for direct food consumption have had the lowest yields across all metrics of measurement and lowest rates of improvement.

What does this mean for reducing hunger?

We estimate that by 2030, the world will be harvesting enough calories to feed its projected population – but it won’t be using most of those crops for direct food consumption.

According to our analysis, 48 countries will not produce enough calories within their borders to feed their populations. Most of these countries are in sub-Saharan Africa, but they also include Asian nations such as Afghanistan and Pakistan and Caribbean countries such as Haiti.

Scientists and agricultural experts have worked to increase the productivity of food crops in countries where many people are undernourished, but the gains so far have not been enough.

We believe the broader goal should be raising more crops in food-insecure countries that are used directly as food and increasing their yields. Without more focus on the needs of undernourished people, eliminating hunger will remain a distant goal. n Deepak Ray is a research associate for the Global Landscapes Initiative at the University of Minnesota. Distributed by The Associated Press.

ONE LAST THING Rep. David N. Cicilline, D-R.I. Rep. David Cicilline has represented Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District since 2011. He’s chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary’s subcommittee on antitrust issues, serves on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, chairs the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and is vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Cicilline previously served two terms as mayor of Providence and four terms in the R.I. House of Representatives.

Listen to find consensus

AS

we get back to a life that looks more like Rhode Island pre-COVID, our workplaces – and coworkers – are likely going to look different.

The last two years have been very difficult. Each of us has experienced these years differently – and for too many of our co-workers, without the benefit of a community around us.

Unfortunately, this type of isolation, while necessary for public health, has also led to an “othering” of those with whom we disagree. Open, everyday discourse – even the small talk at the coffee station – keeps us connected to our neighbors and co-workers and without that, we too often overlook each other’s humanity.

Civil discourse, and the ability to work with and talk to those with whom we disagree, is vital to the health and growth of our businesses and economy, and also our democracy.

As leaders, it’s on all of us to create that space for civil, open dialogue so that we can once again see ourselves in our neighbors.

In Congress, the strongest policies, and those built to stand the test of time, are arrived at through genuine consensus and compromise. As we think about sustainable prosperity and rebuilding a better Rhode Island for each of us, we need to think about every aspect of our economy and our businesses – and each person who is making it work. We need to incorporate all of these perspectives so that we empower every Rhode Islander and unlock our fullest potential.

If we’re going to hear those perspectives, we all need to be willing to listen, especially to those with whom we disagree. n

COURTESY DAVID N. CICILLINE

www.pbn.com | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | 31

INSURANCE I BENEFITS I RETIREMENT I HR

We’re right around YOUR corner.

At Hilb, there isn’t a challenge we haven’t seen or a problem we haven’t solved. That’s

because, as we began our expansion throughout New England, we committed to nothing less than recruiting agencies that are the best at what they do in insurance, benefits, retirement and HR. We’re proud to be able to bring their expertise to you - no matter where you are on the map.

For industry expertise and personalized service, contact Joseph Padula, Managing Director Property and Casualty Phone: (800) 678-1700 ext. 2120 Email: jpadula@hilbgroup.com

Rob Calise, Managing Director Employee Benefits Phone: (800) 678-1700 ext. 1117 Email: rcalise@hilbgroup.com

OFFICE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT NEW ENGLAND • (800) 678-1700 • hilbgroupne.com 32 | MAY 27-JUNE 9, 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | www.pbn.com

CAREER ACHIEVER

CHERYL MERCHANT Taco Comfort Solutions

Integral to moving manufacturing forward in Rhode Island PAGE 4

PARTNER SPONSORS

GIFT SPONSOR

Congratulations to the 30 Outstanding Honorees and Winners of the

2022 Business Women Awards Program Theresa D'Orsi VICE PRESIDENT

Recognized as: Industry Leader Professional Services

Business Insurance

Offering Personal Insurance

Benefits Solutions

starshep.com 2 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

1-(800) 854-4625

PBN BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 PARTNER SPONSOR MESSAGES

FROM THE EDITOR

Helping others fueled these leaders’ success

Amgen is proud to sponsor the Providence Business News 2022 Business Women Awards.

Your talents and contributions inspire women of all ages in helping them to believe and know that each of us make a difference. We believe our differences lead to better change and stronger outcomes and you’re evidence of that!

Congratulations on your hard word, resilience, commitment and passion!

Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc. is proud to be the Partner Sponsor of the 15th Annual PBN Business Women Awards Program. It is with great pleasure to acknowledge some of Rhode Island’s most inspiring women. We are honored and grateful to have our Vice President Theresa D’Orsi, recognized as Professional Services, Industry Leader of this year’s awards program. At Starkweather & Shepley, our mission is our commitment to our associates, clients, and the community. We are honored to have the privilege of being part of this event. Congratulations to all of the 2021 Business Women Award honorees!

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to being outstanding leaders in our community.

CHERYL MERCHANT’S LEADERSHIP skills run

the gamut. The CEO of Taco Comfort Solutions is of course smart, decisive and results-oriented. But she credits much of her success to a natural talent for building and supporting teams. Many of this year’s award winners share that talent.

“I discovered early that I was really good at building teams and that’s how I have gotten to this point in my career,” Merchant, this year’s Career Achiever, told PBN. During the pandemic, that natural inclination to work with and support others paid huge dividends for her company and industry, says David M. Chenevert, executive director of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association.

She not only led Taco through unprecedented challenges but was a key collaborator within the local manufacturing industry.

“Her focus has been on employee and people development,” he said.

It’s the same commitment to the success of others that’s helped endear Tami Hughes to countless colleagues at DBVW

Architects Inc. Besides focusing on her own projects as a senior associate, this year’s Outstanding Mentor oversees in-house training on a software program and still finds time to mentor high school students.

Mentoring is at the heart of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island’s community mission. Katje Afonseca understood the importance of such support for others even before she joined the nonprofit as a college intern in 2004.

Afonseca benefited from the guidance and support of mentors as a teenager following the death of an older sister. Now CEO, she takes the mentoring role personally, with both clients and staff.

Read on for more examples of selfless leaders who’ve achieved career success by also focusing on others.

We thank partner sponsors Amgen Rhode Island and Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc. for their support of the 2022 Business Women Awards program.

Michael Mello Editor

COVER PHOTO BY DAVE HANSEN

Christina’s 5-star career Christina’s remarkable career to date reflects her ability to combine strategy, analysis, and operational excellence. Most recently, under Christina’s leadership, all 2022 BCBSRI Medicare Advantage plans received 5-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a reflection of her unwavering commitment to the comprehensive health and well-being of our members and all Rhode Islanders.

Congratulations to Christina and all the other award winners!

Achieving the best for our members.

It’s what we live for.

Christina Pitney Senior Vice President, Government Programs Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

EC-723551 5/22

www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022

| 3

CAREER ACHIEVER CHERYL MERCHANT Taco Comfort Solutions

Merchant integral to moving manufacturing forward in R.I.

BY JOHN A. LAHTINEN

|

Contributing Writer

WHILE GROWING UP on her family’s Michigan farm, Cheryl Merchant learned firsthand the value of hard work, determination and responsibility.

She has certainly put those skills to good use in her professional life in a career that has spanned nearly 40 years and included leadership roles at General Motors Co., Mazda Motor Corp., Ford Motor Co., Lear Corp., Hope Global, and now as CEO of Taco Comfort Solutions in Cranston, which manufactures heating, cooling, plumbing and irrigation systems.

“I’ve taken career opportunities as they’ve come to me,” Merchant said. “I take them if there is an ability to learn and grow and just experience. I discovered early that I was really good at building teams and that’s how I have gotten to this point in my career. Taco has been the greatest opportunity of all.”

Merchant’s accomplishments over the years are many.

As a production supervisor at GM, she completed the company’s leadership training program while becoming one of the first women to lead a 65-member manufacturing team there.

At Ford, she served as quality manager and was responsible for five production facilities in Mexico that employed more than 12,000 people and supplied parts and services to over 50 ­manufacturers.

with the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic looming for most of that time.

Despite the numerous challenges Taco faces today – supply chain issues, material shortages, labor availability, security issues and rising inflation – Merchant says the company has never stopped pressing forward and is redefining itself post-COVID to include hybrid work environments, risk management, security, new manufacturing techniques and automation.

Merchant’s efforts to grow Taco’s business have not gone unnoticed by her peers.

David M. Chenevert, executive director of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, says that in addition to her tireless efforts to ensure the safety of her own employees through the pandemic, Merchant’s leadership

and willingness to work with other manufacturers to achieve success has been an inspiration to many.

“Cheryl and I have worked closely over the years but never more than during COVID. We shared ideas, documentation and prevention methods to ensure all manufacturers … had the help they needed,” Chenevert said. “Rhode Island was the only state that kept manufacturing open continuously through the pandemic.

It was the leadership of many that made this happen and Cheryl was an integral part of our success.”

Chenevert says Merchant has been a driving force keeping Rhode Island’s manufacturing industry moving forward.

“Her focus has been on employee and people development,” he said, “and all of us recognize her as an outstanding mentor and role model to current and former employees all over the world.”

Merchant has no plans of slowing down and says she and her colleagues are hard at work devising and implementing a new strategic plan and establishing a business operating system to best serve the company’s customers.

“While there is always luck in the world, nothing beats determination, being gutsy and sheer hard work,” she said. n

‘All of us recognize her as an outstanding mentor and role model to current and former employees.’

DAVID M. CHENEVERT, Rhode Island Manufacturers Association executive director As a plant manager with Lear, Merchant managed a 3,500-employee operation in Mexico that produced more than 20,000 vehicle seat sets weekly. She also managed international operations in Canada, Poland and England, while providing technical support to operations in Hungary, Portugal and Austria.

In 1999, Merchant was recruited to become CEO and president at Cumberland-based textile manufacturer Hope Global, where she realigned the entire structure of the organization. The revamped business strategy resulted in dramatic revenue growth and increased product lines and market share in the automotive, industrial and defense industries.

Merchant’s successful tenure at Hope Global presented her with two of her greatest challenges, as massive flooding in 2005 and again in 2010 wreaked havoc at the company.

“The memories are brutal,” she said. “Having your 300,000-square-foot headquarters and largest manufacturing operation under 4 feet of rushing water and losing our global network … this was a time to step up when it came to leadership, to hold a team together … to rebuild in a matter of days what was totally wiped out.”

Since Merchant joined Taco in 2019, the company has seen a 20% jump in revenue, all

IMPACTFUL LEADER: Since Cheryl Merchant joined Taco Comfort Solutions in 2019 as CEO, the heating, cooling, plumbing and irrigation systems manufacturer in Cranston has seen a 20% jump in revenue.

PBN PHOTO/DAVE HANSEN

4 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

FALVEY INSURANCE GROUP PROUDLY CONGRATULATES

Julie Hencler, Corporate Controller

Financial Services “Woman to Watch” Award Winner Julie has continually led Falvey to new heights not by skipping steps, but by performing all the various jobs in the Finance department. Julie has driven growth and advancement for the company, and it is exciting to think of how she will continue to drive innovation. The future is bright at Falvey Insurance Group with leaders like Julie Hencler paving the way.

falveyinsurancegroup.com Untitled-1.indd 1

www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY4/21/22 20221:45|PM5

OUTSTANDING MENTOR TAMI HUGHES DBVW Architects Inc.

Investing in students to set up architecture for future success

BY JOHN A. LAHTINEN

|

Contributing Writer

TAMI HUGHES has always loved design.

During high school, she began studying structures and creating threedimensional images in her head of friend’s and neighbor’s homes that she would visit.

Although originally thinking she would end up at an Ivy League school for college, a visit to the Rhode Island School of Design quickly changed that.

“When I visited RISD, I fell in love with the feel of the campus and Providence,” Hughes said. “I got to explore my creative side and had fun doing it.”

To gain as much architecture field exposure as possible, Hughes secured several internships during summer breaks and took every computer course she could find to sharpen her technical skills.

Now as a senior associate at DBVW Architects Inc. in Providence, Hughes is putting that passion, knowledge and experience to work.

Beyond her own projects, she is giving back in a big way by mentoring her colleagues and the next generation of creative young minds.

Hughes oversees training for the firm’s technical staff on REVIT/BIM, a software program that allows design professionals to create three-dimensional electronic models of buildings. She has already mentored three-quarters of the current staff, making certain that everyone’s skill level is progressing toward meeting the highest standards. Her efforts include coordinating and leading staff training sessions, conducting monthly focus group sessions and convening bimonthly meetings.

that statistically do not have access to these kinds of benefits.”

One of Hughes’ most rewarding experiences took place in 2021 when two of her graduating mentees each received $13,000 from the ACE RI scholarship fund, and one received an additional $16,000 from the CMiC-Allen Berg Memorial Scholarship, enabling both students to go to colleges that they would not have otherwise been able to attend.

“I think the fact that they were both female and of minority race made it even more special to me,” Hughes said. “These scholarships helped to ensure that they could pursue a career that they are both passionate about, something that they may not have been able to do otherwise. As a person of triple minority

background – female, Asian heritage and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity – I am very passionate about addressing and correcting systemic issues of diversity, equity and inclusion within the industry.”

With direct input into the ACE RI curriculum, Hughes has worked to develop a unique and innovative curriculum, tailored to the needs of the Rhode Island student population. First-year students are presented with a broader-level insight into the industry, while advanced returning students are provided a more focused, in-depth development of skills with the goal of students entering the CIRT National Design & Construction Competition as their final project. Hughes also assists in portfolio development, offers recommendations for college and scholarship applications, and coordinates job shadowing opportunities through the ACE RI Summer Experience Program.

“I am a firm believer that our own success comes from the investment we make in the next generation and ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed,” Hughes said. n

‘Our own success comes from the investment we make in the next generation.’

TAMI HUGHES, DBVW Architects Inc. senior associate But perhaps the greatest illustration of Hughes’ desire to mentor is her leadership within the ACE Rhode Island Mentor Program, which is dedicated to providing support, guidance and hands-on learning opportunities to high school students who are interested in careers in architecture, engineering and construction.

Hughes got involved with ACE RI in 2008 and today serves as Advanced Group mentor, Curriculum Committee co-chair, Summer Experience Program co-chair and a board member.

“Tami has dedicated countless volunteer hours to mentoring students within the Providence chapter of ACE RI,” said Martha Werenfels, senior principal at DBVW. “The majority of these students identify as part of an underrepresented racial group or community, and 30% are young women. As a leader within the ACE RI Program, Tami is helping to focus on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion within the ... industry by providing access to industry insight, technical skills and college scholarships to high school students

GIVING BACK: Whether training colleagues on new software programs or preparing high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering and construction, Tami Hughes, senior associate at DBVW Architects Inc. in Providence, relishes being a mentor.

PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

6 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

INDUSTRY LEADER CREATIVE SERVICES JENNIFER CANOLE Trinity Repertory Company

Canole, Trinity made strides despite crisis

BY HUGH MINOR

|

Contributing Writer

IF THERE’S ONE THING that Jennifer Canole has learned over the past two years, it’s the importance of being flexible.

The theater industry was hit hard when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and venues were closed almost overnight beginning in March 2020. No one involved in the arts was sure what the future held, whether they were on Broadway or a regional theater such as Trinity Repertory Company, where Canole is interim executive director and director of development.

Two years later, the storied theater company in Providence appears to have survived and the organization is ready for its comeback.

But the journey wasn’t easy.

“We had to make some tough decisions,” Canole said. “We got very small in staff size.

It was difficult but it helped us weather the storm.”

She recognizes the unprecedented support the theater received during the trying period when no one was sure when live performances would be staged again.

“People supported the theater knowing that they would return,” she said. “It gave them hope through those dark days, which we all remember. Even during the worst part of the pandemic, we received a record number of donations.”

Trinity has faced other challenges and struggles since its founding in 1963 but nothing like the sudden, unexpected uncertainty brought on by COVID-19.

“This season is a reintroduction to our community,” she said. “We’ve been having some great conversations about the work we’re doing.”

She explains that the theater may not truly be back to normal for another year or so, as audiences begin to slowly venture out and new sources of funding open up.

“The funding that was available during the pandemic went away,” Canole said. “We were fortunate to benefit from programs [such as] the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant to keep us afloat. But now we need to rely on new sources for long-term support.”

Trinity recently announced that it has found a new executive director, Kate Liberman, who will take the reins in the fall.

Canole is excited about helping to transition to new leadership and she’s looking forward to returning to her work in development and fundraising, particularly during this critical time in the theater’s history.

“Over the past year, I’ve gotten to understand my colleagues in deep and meaningful and important ways that will help us move the organization ahead,” she said.

In her role as director of development, she has been responsible for securing, maintaining and increasing funding for Trinity’s various arts programs, including the Young Actors Studio, providing young people with after-school and summer programs; Project Discovery Plus, offering students opportunities to attend performances; Trinity Rep Active Imagination Network, delivering programs for those with autism, cognitive and psychiatric disabilities; and Open Access Theater, creating an environment that is accessible to all.

It’s been a long road since she started as an intern back in 1999.

“I was the first woman in this position and that’s a point of pride for me,” Canole said. “I never could have imagined that I would be doing what I’m doing today.” n

‘We decided to intentionally produce theater presenting voices that haven’t been given space before.’

JENNIFER CANOLE, Trinity Repertory Company interim executive director and director of development As the theater continues to ramp back up, the industry is waiting to see how audiences will respond. There have been other significant changes at Trinity Rep. During the shutdown, the team at Trinity decided to grapple with its role in a society struggling with issues of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Historically, the stories told in the theater were those of white people and that was reflected in the audiences that attended. But Trinity made the decision to become more open and welcoming for everyone, especially those who rarely or never see people like themselves on stage.

“I’m very proud of the work that we’ve done figuring out how to be an antiracist organization,” Canole said. “We decided to intentionally produce theater presenting voices that haven’t been given space before.”

The work is new and fresh, but it’s also different and that can be scary and uncertain.

TIME TO SHINE: Jennifer Canole has been interim executive director and head of development at Trinity Repertory Company during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PBN PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

8 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

STAFFING FIRMS STAFFING FIRMS

CREATIVE SERVICES WOMAN TO WATCH KIMBERLY FRASER International Game Technology PLC (rankedbybyaverage average number of weekly workers) (ranked number of weekly workers)

Ready to tackle any challenge 1 2019 rank

Company Website Principal(s)

Address Phone

Randstad Staffing randstadusa.com Andrea K. Harnish, market manager

235 Promenade St., Suite 419 Providence, R.I. 02908 (401) 831-1234

1 BY2018: HUGH MINOR

|

Contributing Writer

515 Smith St. Labor Services KIMBERLY FRASER JOINED International Game Technol2 American Providence, R.I. 02908 americanlaborservices.com (844) 967-5257 Ben Kaplan, CEO 2018: 2 ogy PLC as an intern over 11 years ago. She is now senior manager of global communications the 500at Broad St. entertainStaffing Network LLC 3 Available Providence, R.I. 02907 availablestaffingnetwork.com ment gaming company, where she’s responsible for (401) 274-9300 Danilo Reyes, founder and president 2018: 3 and the creation and distribution of key messages.

Qualified Resources International 78 Kenwood St. qristaffing.com 4 Cranston, R.I. 02907 Fraser Timothy continues to be excited Harrington, chairman; Emilyevery day is something new and it (401) 946-1002

2018: 4 Harrington, CEO her expereally keeps me on my toes.” and enthusiastic about That flexibility has led to her rience. “I’ve been able to come Express Employment Professionals 155 Jefferson Blvd. recognition as a visible leader at up through the ranks,” she said.

Warwick, R.I. 02888 Warwick expresspros.com/warwickri 739-8460 which (401) is based in London but “There always newfranchise opportuniLiliana V. Dolan, owner andIGT, president 2018: 7 are ties and chances to do new things.” has offices in Providence.

235 Promenade St., Suite adeccousa.com “I also know that it’s good to 140 be A teamAdecco player,USA Fraser enjoys Providence, R.I. 02908 Alain Dehaze, CEO; Justin Bacon, regional vice a little vulnerable, although it’s not collaborating with others from dif(401) 273-2300 president 2018: NL always easy,” she said. ferent backgrounds.

Fraser recognizes After two years of working re125 Whipple the St. imporGreysmith greysmith.com Providence, R.I. 02908 supmotely, she’s glad toCos. be back in the tance of giving and receiving Hank DeWolf, president 401-272-7200 2018: 5 office interacting with colleagues. port from her peers, particularly through IGT’s Women’s Inclusion “I enjoy the unexpected converMaple St. sations that up with in Network. 56 R.I.pop Temps Inc. people ritemps.com Warwick, R.I. 02888 Dianeshe Martin, CEO; Scott F.lot Seaback, president the hallway,” said.

“I get a “The Women’s Network is a (401) 781-8400 2018: 6 great resource,” she said. “We hold of business done that way.” a monthly coffee chat that proFraser Colony creditsPersonnel her success with Inc. 2845 Post Road Associates Warwick, R.I.to 02886 two of hercolonypersonnel.com personal strengths: vides an open forum talk about (401) 739-0670 Sandra Leite, president 2018: 10 adaptability and vulnerability. everything from work to our home “Most people in communicalives.”

1045 Warwick Ave., Suite 201 Flagship Staffing Services Outside of the office, Fraser is tions are able to adapt quickly and Warwick, R.I. 02888 flagshipstaffing.com (401) 277-2266and promotSusan Fabrizio, founder 9 committed to building be2018: flexible,” sheA.said.

“For me, and president

5 6 7

8

9

10

Avg. weekly R.I. workers staff

Major services

378

12

Permanent, temporary and temp-topermanent placement

300

9

Specializes in providing blue collar, skilled and semi-skilled labor

250

6

Permanent and temp-to-permanent for manufacturing and engineering

225

8

Direct placement of engineers, manufacturing and sales management

3

Serving accounting, administrative, customer service, health care, human resource, IT, law and light industry

174

CLOSER LOOK

Total average number of weekly workers:

1,982 LIST RESEARCHED BY James Bessette

NEED A COPY? To purchase a copy of this list, call (401) 273-2201 or visit PBN.com/lists.html for more information.

TEAM PLAYER: Kimberly Fraser, senior manager of global communicaWANT TO JOIN? Executive placement, outsourcing, PLC in Providence, tions at International Game Technology enjoys colFor more information 6 recruitment and other human resources 155 laborating services with others from different backgrounds. about participating in

PBN’s Top Lists, or to make additions or corrections, Administration, call center, customer call (401) 680-4838 or 20 service, human resources, insurance, legal, write to Research@PBN.com. medical billing, office staffing others toward success. She credits the field of communications in

PBN PHOTO/DAVE HANSEN

152

ing NL = Not listed last year. that experience with helping her her role as treasurer of the SouthPermanent and temporary employees in identify and define her skills better eastern New England Chapter of 5 the administrative, finance, legal, technical 135 the Public Relations Society of fields and talents. and high-skilled industrial One of those strengths is her America. She has been involved infectious enthusiasm. When faced with the organization for many and direct Temporary, temp-to-hire placement for finance, legal, medical, 110 with a challenge, she is ready to years.NA manufacturing and skilled industrial dive right in.

Fraser is also a 2016 graduate “Put on that hat and let’s of Leadership Rhode Island and is Administrative/office, skilled industrial and still involved with theplacements organiza-on a direct-hire, go,” she said. “Strap on your seat3 professional 103 temporary temp-to-hire basis belt.” n tion, connecting and or mentoring

WHERE EVERYONE WILL KNOW YOUR NAME An announcement in PBN

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

gets your name in front of the influential business leaders who you want to do business with.

Announce promotions, new hires, board appointments and award recipients to the RI business community.

This PBN weekly feature is seen by over 25,000 print readers, 11,000 e-newsletter subscribers and 64,000 monthly PBN.com visitors.

Announcements appear in the weekly paper, in one Daily Edition e-newsletter and on PBN.com.

Submit yours at pbn.com/people-on-the-move/ www.pbn.com | BOOK OF LISTS n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | JANUARY 2020 | 85 www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022 | 9

INDUSTRY LEADER EDUCATION SERVICES KATHARINE HAZARD FLYNN University of Rhode Island Business Engagement Center

She’s at the ‘front door’ engaging businesses

BY JENNA PELLETIER

|

Contributing Writer

AFTER FOUR DECADES as a business leader, Katharine Hazard Flynn is showing no signs of slowing down.

She currently serves dual roles at the University of Rhode Island in South Kingstown, overseeing the URI Business Engagement Center, as well as the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement’s Corporate and Foundations unit.

Tying together her two positions, Hazard Flynn’s work focuses on fostering win-win partnerships between companies and the university.

“The best part about being here at the university is helping students, particularly helping students get really good, high-paying jobs, and then in turn giving back to the state that I love,” Hazard Flynn said.

In the corporate and foundations aspect of her job, Hazard Flynn has helped URI quadruple its fundraising activity since 2012.

“Katharine’s talent for networking and connecting faculty and staff at URI with funding opportunities is unparalleled,” said Pete Rumsey, chief business development officer at URI Research Foundation.

Her other role at the Business Engagement Center is as crucial. The center bills itself as a “front door” for the business community to connect with a variety of resources at URI. Small and large companies use its services to connect with students for internships, access help with technology or intellectual property transfer, and sponsor research, among other things.

that we didn’t want to have teenagers in Manhattan,” she said. So, she and her husband, Lawrence Flynn, moved to Rhode Island.

As inaugural director of the Business Engagement Center, Hazard Flynn has “improved the visibility of URI on a global scale,” according to Rumsey.

Rumsey points to Hazard Flynn’s role in mobilizing CEOs of large companies to support the state bond to build the URI Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering. “Without Katharine’s efforts to engage corporate supporters, this project may not have happened,”

he said.

Supporting Rhode Island’s food economy, she developed the annual Rhode Island Food System Summit six years ago. As part of the annual event, government, academic, business and community come together to discuss how to make the state’s food system more sustainable, accessible and resilient.

Recently, Hazard Flynn has been focusing on initiatives related to growing and increasing the visibility of the state’s blue economy.

She has helped the URI Research Foundation become one of 60 finalists for the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge Program. If awarded funding, the university would develop ocean-related infrastructure and create an ocean innovation center. The winners will be announced in September.

“One thing I like about my job is the fact that, on any given day, I can talk to companies that work with shellfish to robotics and everything in between,” she said. “So it’s fun for me, and it keeps my mind active.” n

‘Katharine’s talent for networking and connecting faculty and staff at URI with funding opportunities is unparalleled.’

PETE RUMSEY, URI Research Foundation chief business development officer Often after a good experience with the Business Engagement Center, a company will be inspired to make a donation to the university in the form of a scholarship or other type of gift, Hazard Flynn says.

She developed and launched the center in 2013. Tapped for the role by URI’s then-president David M. Dooley, she arrived at URI after serving as business development director at what is now known as R.I. Commerce Corp.

Before that, Hazard Flynn, an alumna of Brown University who grew up outside of Boston, spent about 20 years working on Wall Street. “I did some trading but worked mostly in sales,” Hazard Flynn said. “So that was sort of where my relationship-building activities started.”

She adds: “On Wall Street in the ’80s I was a pioneer. And one of probably very few women around every table I was around.”

When her children were young, “we decided

A PILLAR ON CAMPUS: Katharine Hazard Flynn is director of the University of Rhode Island Business Engagement Center and oversees the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement’s Corporate and Foundations unit.

PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

10 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

EDUCATION SERVICES WOMAN TO WATCH CHRISTY ASHLEY University of Rhode Island College of Business

Return to URI paying dividends

BY JENNA PELLETIER

|

Contributing Writer

IN 2015, MARKETING PROFESSOR Christy Ashley gave up tenure at another university to return to her beloved alma mater, the University of Rhode Island, for a then lower-ranking, nontenure-track position.

The risk paid off. Last year, Ashley, who received her Ph.D. from URI in 2006, was promoted to associate dean at the university’s College of Business in South Kingstown.

“There’s something really special about the University of Rhode Island,” Ashley said. “And it’s a place where I felt I could make a difference. I still feel that way.”

In her current role, Ashley spends about half of her time on administrative duties such as curriculum development and implementing the college’s strategic goals. She also teaches undergraduate and graduate courses – including Social Media for Marketing and Strategic Marketing Management – and mentors Ph.D. students. In addition, Ashley conducts research, primarily on

customer experience management and consumers’ emotional connections with brands.

Promoting gender equality in business is a thread that runs throughout her various duties at the college.

“Dr. Ashley is an accomplished leader and marketing professor who dedicates her life to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of business professionals and leaders, with special emphasis on women leaders,” said Sean Rogers, executive director of inclusive excellence and associate professor at URI’s College of Business.

As associate dean, Ashley says she focuses on trying to make faculty feel “included and heard.

“I try to be as transparent as I can in terms of decision-making and what the processes are with

RIGHT TRACK: Christy Ashley, associate dean at the University of Rhode Island College of Business, says she feels URI is a place where she can make a difference.

PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

making changes,” she said.

Ashley says she was honored to recently become a member of the national Women in Business Education initiative, a global network that looks to build gender balance and greater diversity among business school leaders.

In the classroom, she often focuses on experiential learning and enjoys partnering with Rhode

Island companies for student projects. She also wants to make sure that students leave URI equipped with practical job skills. For young women, learning how to negotiate a salary can be especially important, she added.

“I want to help all of our students learn how to advocate for themselves,” Ashley said. n

A sincere thank you to our patients We appreciate the trust you place in our team of 500+ radiologists, technologists and staff. We’re honored that you choose us for your care.

rimirad.com

www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022 RIMI-38508-TopDocs-441x65_PBN.indd 1

5/4/21 11:41 AM

| 11

INDUSTRY LEADER FINANCIAL SERVICES TERRI MONJAR Bank of America Corp.

Bringing people together to solve complex problems

BY WENDY PIERMAN MITZEL

|

Contributing Writer

AS A SENIOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGER for Bank of America Corp.’s Northeast Commercial Banking, Terri Monjar is responsible for bringing people, products and solutions together.

“My job is to understand what [my clients] are trying to do and bring the team members that I have from across the bank to the table, quickly and efficiently, so they can get those deals done,” she said.

Monjar manages a portfolio of middlemarket public and private clients with annual sales ranging from $50 million to more than $2 billion, advising and executing on various capital-raising approaches, merger and acquisition initiatives, treasury management solutions, risk management strategies and employee financial services.

She joined Bank of America in 2016, bringing years of consulting, technology management and global accounts to the work. Over the years she has helped clients acquire close to $200 million in new capital, save millions of dollars in streamlined operations, mitigate foreign exchange and interest rate risks, and retain and hire employees.

and is a member of Global Banking Asset Management Women’s Leadership Council and an active member of Bank of America’s Rhode Island Employee Networks.

Tracy says Monjar is a “great inspiration to other teammates in the company.”

She serves as a mentor to others in the industry through Bank of America’s Women Exchange, Bank of America’s Leadership Mentoring Program, Young Voices, Year Up and Junior Achievement. She also volunteers through the Babson College Alumni Supporting Entrepreneurs program, connecting and supporting fellow alumni and students. She participates continuously with the United Way of Rhode Island, currently serving as an

honorary board member.

“Mentors, managers and influencers have been unbelievable not only here but throughout my career,” she said. “I’ve had people see I had potential, maybe not the experience, but they opened doors to give me exposure to areas that would help build my career.”

She is a proponent of building peer circles, as well as reaching out across generations.

“I love staying in touch with the younger generations,” she said. “They keep me hip in terms of technology and trends, like social media.”

Mojnar says she’s always felt fully supported within the organization, pointing to Bank of America’s ranking as one of only nine S&P 100 companies with six or more women on the board.

“I’ve been with a lot of organizations over the years and when I came to the bank, I was told there were two words you need to know to be successful: you have to be smart, and you have to be nice,” she said. “It’s instilled from the top down. … Everybody is treated with respect.” n

‘She is always willing to lend her strong business acumen to help … our clients.’

KEVIN TRACY, Bank of America Rhode Island president “My background is a consulting mindset,” she said. “I came up through a consulting firm. I have technology, operations, product and relationship experience and through all those disciplines, I learned how to understand the big picture. Then I partner with my teammates for the deep-dive expertise. My skill is being able to bring people and processes and technology together to solve complicated problems for our customers.”

Monjar recently served as a We Can Deliver Champion and partnered with more than 20 other leaders to educate and motivate employees to use a new customer service system. The easy-to-access application allows employees to take a customer concern and log it into a system for it to be addressed, effectively supporting thousands of inquiries from clients and prospects across the bank’s eight business lines.

“I’ve been fortunate to work closely with Terri for the last several years and I am so impressed with her leadership in support of our clients and employees in our state,” said Kevin Tracy, president of Bank of America Rhode Island in East Providence. “No matter what the circumstance is, she is always willing to lend her strong business acumen to help improve the financial lives of our clients … we are lucky to have her on our team.”

Monjar represents the Northeast region on Bank of America’s National Commercial Banking’s Diversity and Inclusion Council

VALUABLE ASSET: Since joining Bank of America Corp. in Providence in 2016, Terri Monjar, senior relationship manager, has helped clients acquire close to $200 million in new capital.

PBN PHOTO/DAVE HANSEN

12 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES WOMAN TO WATCH JULIE HENCLER Falvey Insurance Group

Falvey a ‘great fit’ for her will to lead

BY WENDY PIERMAN MITZEL

|

Contributing Writer

JULIE HENCLER was looking for a small company with career growth potential when she joined Falvey Insurance Group in North Kingstown as a staff accountant in 2005.

“I knew it was going to be a great fit. Anything that came up, I would volunteer to do it,” she said.

That willingness led to a variety of positions and a promotion in 2011 to her current role as corporate controller. Hencler now leads the finance team of senior and staff accountants and is responsible for oversight of the daily financial operations.

Having moved through the company gives her an advantage in managing the department.

“I never want to be a manager and not know the struggles of the day-to-day,” she said. “I want to know how to help [the staff] when they have a problem.”

After listening to the team’s struggle with outdated systems, Hencler spearheaded the implementation of Concur, a travel and

expense management software, and Sage Intacct, a cloud accounting software product and financial management solution.

The switch increased efficiencies across the finance department, automated reporting, decreased days to close by 10 days, and decreased the accounts payable cycle to three days.

Falvey Chief Financial Officer Mike Edwards says Hencler’s team approach “has allowed her to work with our business groups to improve workflow through all the different steps.”

Hencler was recently called on to moderate a panel of female corporate leaders during one of the quarterly discussions hosted

by Falvey entitled “Women at the Helm.”

“I was very nervous – it was a

GO-GETTER: Julie Hencler’s willingness to try a variety of positions at Falvey Insurance Group in North Kingstown led to her promotion as corporate controller, where she leads the finance team of accountants and oversees the company’s daily financial operations.

PBN PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

big event – but one of the women there gave me some advice. She said, ‘Don’t let the event get bigger than you.’ It was really helpful,” Hencler said. “I like to throw myself into new things. I learn more when I struggle through than when things are easy.”

Hencler is a member of Falvey’s

Diversity & Inclusion committee, which aims to share culture and tradition through companywide activities and events. As a manager, she can help make change.

“I want to help everyone here feel at home,” she said. “I enjoy working here so much, I want to make sure that everyone does.” n

URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement proudly congratulates

Katharine Hazard Flynn Executive Director URI Business Engagement Center and URIFAE Corporate and Foundation Relations

Recipient of PBN’s 2022 Business Women Awards: Industry Leader in Education

THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

foundation & alumni engagement

RIHousing congratulates

Kara Lachapelle Chief Financial Officer of RIHousing

and all other PBN Business Women honorees!

www.RIHousing.com

www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022

| 13

INDUSTRY LEADER GOVERNMENT/QUASI-GOVERNMENT KARA LACHAPELLE R.I. Housing and Mortgage Finance Corp.

Collaborative leadership getting results at R.I. Housing

BY ISABELLA DELEO

|

Contributing Writer

IT ISN’T FOCUSING on the bottom line that drives Kara Lachapelle and her team at the R.I. Housing and Mortgage Finance Corp. in Providence. It’s to put that money to work within the state, particularly for individuals who are looking for a new home.

Lachapelle, the chief financial officer for the self-supporting public mortgage lending agency, has overseen $350 million in utility and rental assistance and $50 million in pandemic-related assistance for renters and homeowners. Lachapelle said such work with the agency is “really about trying to provide the best programs we have through financing and through the work that we do.”

R.I. Housing provides an array of services to Rhode Island homeowners and potential homebuyers. These include mortgage loans, in addition to providing subsidies to assist low-income individuals with rent, supporting the development of affordable homes in the state and helping homeowners maintain their homes. In 2021, R.I. Housing provided $487 million in mortgage loans for first-time ­homebuyers.

R.I. Housing also sells bonds on Wall Street to provide its mortgages. Lachapelle said it’s a complex financial structure to issue bonds.

She also helped put a structure together to analyze the best way for R.I. Housing to sell those bonds.

work through problems.”

R.I. Housing Executive Director Carol Ventura told Providence Business News in an email that Lachapelle is “a leader with vision” who helped her team grow, take risks and forge their own paths in becoming leaders at both the agency and in the field of finance. “[Lachapelle] is open to new ideas and new ways of thinking, while also willing to share her own experiences to help her team and R.I. Housing make the kinds of smart decisions and investments so we can help Rhode Islanders access safe and healthy homes,” Ventura said.

Lachapelle and the R.I. Housing team also worked to address challenges for homeowners and renters that were brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lachapelle said the health crisis really has shown many people the

importance of housing. “[Housing is] just such a basic, essential need that it can sometimes be taken for granted,” she said. “There is a bigger focus on housing the past couple of years. And going forward, the governor [Daniel J. McKee] is focusing a lot on housing and implementing housing programs.”

One such program was announced in March when the state made available $60 million in affordable housing funding in Rhode Island.

Lachapelle said scaling up fast for some of those programs have been challenging but “being able to help people is the reward.”

Ventura gives a lot of credit to Lachapelle’s leadership, adding that it’s “not an exaggeration” to say R.I. Housing couldn’t do the work it does without Lachapelle.

“Time and again she has been a leader in spearheading new and innovative programs, which have helped R.I. Housing respond to extremely volatile mortgage markets, financial crises and, in these last few years, the negative impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our state’s economy,” Ventura said. n

‘It’s important to include as many different viewpoints as you can to come up with the best solution.’

KARA LACHAPELLE, R.I. Housing and Mortgage Finance Corp. chief financial officer “We have partners who we work with who help us reach the investors, underwriters and bond counsel and lots of Wall Street bankers who assist us with that,” Lachapelle said. “So if we sell the bonds and get a low rate, we’re able to provide a mortgage with a low rate to our customers.”

Lachapelle’s leadership also helped pave the way for a landmark year for the agency.

R.I. Housing in 2021 saw the highest volume of mortgage loans in its 50 years of operation.

Lachappelle, who has been with R.I. Housing for 20 years, describes her leadership style as “very collaborative.” She likes to include as many of her colleagues as possible and feels agency staff is better together when there are different views, different strengths and a goal to accomplish.

“It’s important to include as many different viewpoints as you can to come up with the best solution,” Lachapelle said. “Leading by example with my team, I have an open-door kind of policy, and [I’m] available to help or to speak with anyone at any time and help them

WORKING FOR HOMES: Kara Lachapelle, chief financial officer for the R.I. Housing and Mortgage Finance Corp. in Providence, has overseen $350 million in utility and rental assistance and $50 million in pandemic-related assistance for renters and homeowners.

PBN PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

14 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

GOVERNMENT/QUASI-GOVERNMENT WOMAN TO WATCH CHELSEY DUMAS GIBBS Town of North Kingstown

Energized to keep community active

BY MARY LHOWE

|

Contributing Writer

A BLIZZARD OF IMPROVEMENTS in recent years at public places in North Kingstown – such as the beautifully landscaped parks, food trucks at festivals and a popular splash pad for kids – was driven into existence by the energy and commitment of Chelsey Dumas Gibbs, the town’s Recreation Department director since 2019.

Dumas Gibbs grew up next door, in South Kingstown, believing she would be a teacher, and even playing the role with her aunts’ castoff school workbooks. She headed into the Community College of Rhode Island to begin her studies as a special education teacher but soon decided a single classroom would be too confining for her energy.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Rhode Island and then began to find her niche nine years ago in North Kingstown town government.

Two years later, a slight turn into the Recreation Department followed, when the town created a new position of assistant

director to allow Dumas Gibbs to push her ideas for expansion and ­fundraising.

Growing up, “I wasn’t sportsy,” Dumas Gibbs said. “I really came here for the kids. Then I learned how important recreation is for adults and seniors, too.”

The department chief also oversees the town’s public golf course and marina, with a year-round staff of nine people, and another 50 seasonal workers to handle summer activities such as eight-week camps for kids, outdoor concerts and the yearly arrival of newer fads such as pickle ball and skateboarding.

The annual budget for the department, the golf course and the

PLAYS TO WIN: Since becoming director of the North Kingstown Recreation Department in 2019, Chelsey Dumas Gibbs has won grants to push forward park and playground improvement projects, pulling in $571,000 for facilities and programming.

PBN PHOTO/DAVE HANSEN

harbor front/marina is about $1.7 million, she says. Dumas Gibbs has outpaced a typical recreation department chief by seeking and winning grants to push forward projects such as park and playground improvements. In all, she has pulled in $571,000 for facilities

and programming.

“It is amazing to see how much work comes in and out of her office,” town Personnel Manager Haley Wicker said of Dumas Gibbs. “She’s a hard worker. She’s always available and willing to pitch in.” n

W

e applaud Trinity Rep’s Interim Executive Director and Director of Development Jennifer Canole and all the 2022 PBN Business Women Awards honorees.

Congratulations

Thank you for helping make Trinity Rep the home for dramatic discoveries for so many in our community.

WWW.TRINITYREP.COM

We applaud Terri Monjar and all of the 2022 PBN Business Women Awards Honorees. Leaders like you are a vital resource and inspiration to us all. Thank you for making our communities better places to live and work and for leading by example in Rhode Island and beyond.

Visit us at bankofamerica.com/about.

©2022 Bank of America Corporation | MAP4117394 | ENT-217-AD

www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022

| 15

INDUSTRY LEADER HEALTH CARE SERVICES MARY MARRAN Butler Hospital

Marran solves problems to keep community healthy

BY ISABELLA DELEO

|

Contributing Writer

MARY MARRAN, president of Providence-based Butler Hospital, calls herself a problem-solver by nature.

That quality, she says, probably proves useful when you’re in a role as demanding and multifaceted as hers at the nonprofit psychiatric hospital affiliated with the Care New England Health System and Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School.

Marran adds that she has “had this really weird career” where she got asked to do “a lot of different things.”

“Although I’ve been at Butler well over 30 years, I’ve had so many different jobs,” she said.

Marran started working at Butler as a student in 1984 and was hired the following year.

The future president of the hospital worked there through the 1990s, then spent a year away from the hospital working in outpatient rehabilitation and then returned to working at Butler in a management position.

Marran’s experience includes serving as Butler’s director of admissions for 15 years, and in 2014 she was appointed the associate vice president of patient care services.

Marran was named Butler’s president in 2017 after serving as interim president, becoming the second woman to lead the hospital in its history. Currently, she also serves as the interim president and chief operating officer of mental health services provider The Providence Center.

first year of the pandemic, rates of anxiety and depression increased 25% across the globe.

Marran says there’s an extremely high demand for behavioral health services, particularly with children, who the hospital does not treat at Butler, as well as adolescents and young adults. That, she says, is “quite overwhelming.”

“We’re, as a state, struggling with being able to find staff to work in hospitals and community placements in the field. So, it means that people who need care are having trouble getting access to care,” Marran said. “What’s so frightening to me is that this pandemic has increased the demand and the need and depleted our resources for providing it.”

During the height of the pandemic, Marran

opened Butler’s Ray Hall Conference Center, providing it with 25 beds to support patients in need when local emergency centers became overwhelmed with patients. In May, Marran testified at the House Oversight Committee in support of reforming Rhode Island’s health care system relating to behavioral health.

Smith said that when she thought about exemplary leadership within the health care space, Marran “immediately came to mind.”

“Mary is a selfless woman, both personally, as well as professionally, and is someone I admire on both fronts. To work with Mary is to be inspired daily,” Smith said.

Marran, in her decades of experience at the hospital, has witnessed Butler evolve throughout the years and has seen the organization through a variety of challenges.

“It’s a sheer pleasure to run the organization. And again, because I didn’t walk in when I was studying to be an [occupational therapist] to ever think about being a hospital president,” Marran said. “But I’ve weirdly ended up in this role and have a fabulous team of folks working with me. And we’re able to do some great things.” n

‘Mary is a selfless woman, both personally, as well as professionally.’

RAINA SMITH, Care New England Health System director of public relations, media relations, communications and government affairs Raina Smith, Care New England’s director of public relations, media relations, communications and government affairs who has worked with Marran for three years, told Providence Business News in an email that Marran is a “steadfast leader who is genuinely respected by staff at Butler Hospital, as well as throughout Care New England Health System” for her vast institutional knowledge of Butler and the field of behavioral health. Smith also lauds Marran for how she treats everyone “with the utmost respect.”

“Mary is quick to recognize a job well done and highlight employees who are streamlining processes or doing what they can to make Butler Hospital a better experience for patients and staff,” Smith said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to pose numerous challenges for health care workers, including those at Butler. The World Health Organization has noted that during the

CLIMBING THE LADDER: Mary Marran first began working at Butler Hospital in 1984 as a student.

More than three decades later, she rose through the ranks to become just the second female president in the hospital’s history.

PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

16 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

HEALTH CARE SERVICES WOMAN TO WATCH CHRISTINA PITNEY Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

Pitney is driven to solve problems

BY KIMBERLEY EDGAR

|

Contributing Writer

COMBINE COMMITMENT, passion, energy and humility with the ability to transform problems into opportunities, and you have a standout Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island senior executive.

As senior vice president, government programs, for the Providence-based health insurer, Christina Pitney oversees $850 million in Medicare revenue, $120 million in individual business lines and has led Blue Cross’ Medicare Advantage suite to its first fivestar rating – Rhode Island’s first so-designated Medicare plan.

Pitney also spearheaded Blue Cross’ partnership with Oak Street Health, a primary care network focused on improving Blue Cross’ senior Medicare patients’ holistic health care.

And realizing women constitute more than half of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association employees, Pitney partnered with two other association leaders in 2020 to launch its first Women’s Leadership Forum.

BCBSA is a national association

of 34 independent, communitybased and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies, including Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.

“Her strategic skill is paramount,” said Melissa Cummings, BCBSRI executive vice president, chief customer officer and Pitney’s supervisor.

Since joining Cummings at BCBSRI in 2014, Pitney’s tenure has included about 4.5 years heading corporate strategy as chief of staff for then-CEO and President Kim A. Keck, who is now the CEO and president of BCBSA. Pitney and Cummings worked together previously. About 12 years ago, Cummings picked Pitney to serve on her team through Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna Inc.’s leadership development program,

TOP MARKS: Christina Pitney, senior vice president, government programs, at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island in Providence, has led the health insurer’s Medicare Advantage suite to its first five-star rating.

PBN PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

as she had been impressed by Pitney, who she described as “smart, driven, willing to take on anything and give things a shot.”

Pitney, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Connecticut, said her career “started to take off on a different trajectory.”

Cummings challenged Pitney to grow professionally by throwing Pitney assignments she knew

nothing about. This pushed Pitney to build mutually beneficial, symbiotic work relationships and routines that helped her identify and solve problems and advance her employer’s interests.

“The big thing for me was having a leader who communicated a problem and allowed me to use my skill set to figure it out,” Pitney said. “I found it exciting, and I grew substantially.” n

STAY INFORMED. STAY COMPETITIVE. Your go-to source for in-depth and breaking news covering the Rhode Island and Southeastern MA business community.

VISIT PBN.COM/SUBSCRIBE TODAY PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS

PBN pbn.com

APRIL 15 -28, 2022

HEALTH CARE | SPRING 2022

PBN SUMMIT RECAP Hospital leaders struggle to rebuild their ranks | 16

Panel: ARPA funds should be used to mend health safety net | 16

FOCUS: EDUCATION Davies students step up for early career launch | 22

YOUR SOURCE FOR BUSINESS NEWS IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND | VOL. 36, NO. 25 | $5

Pleas to fix R.I.’s ‘broken’ behavioral health system

EYES ON THE PRIZE

BY MARC LAROCQUE | Larocque@PBN.com

IN THE WAKE OF THE COVID-19 pandemic, treatment providers, advocates and lawmakers are calling for Rhode Island to confront its problems with access to mental health care.

Despite a federal law called the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act that’s meant to prevent such problems, barriers to psychological treatment in Rhode Island make it hard for holders of both commercial insurance and Medicaid to see a provider, receive therapy and get the medication for mental conditions, according to advocates, therapists and patients.

“At the moment, unfortunately, I would have to say that the behavioral

HEALTH MATTERS

SEE BROKEN PAGE 8

LIFTOFF: Jaia Robotics LLC owner Ian Estaphan Owen launches one of his company’s aquatic robots in Narragansett Bay. Newport-based Jaia could be a benefactor if the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation’s proposal to boost the blue economy is named a winner in the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge.

PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

2 key R.I. sectors could get $100M infusion from federal competition

BY CASSIUS SHUMAN | Contributing Writer

IAN ONE LAST THING

Turn uncertainty into opportunity Peter A. Mello | 38

ESTAPHAN OWEN LAUNCHED A MARINE ROBOTICS COMPANY LESS THAN two years ago with the aim of helping combat the effects of climate change.

But getting the Newport-based business up to speed hasn’t been easy.

Owen, who worked at Raytheon Technologies Corp. in the United Kingdom before relocating to its facility in Portsmouth, developed underwater robotic equipment at several companies before founding Jaia Robotics LLC in 2020. The company uses torpedo-shaped robots to conduct geological surveys, identify hazards, track pollution and make other environmental assessments for its clients.

“I have a passion for the environment,” Owen said. “We need a healthy ocean that is accessible to all.”

Owen says the excitement surrounding Rhode Island’s blue economy was a motivator for starting his business, but for all the buzz, he’s finding there’s a lack of venture capital and job training, and not nearly enough support from the state government.

“The state could do more to attract angel investors,” he said recently.

Help could be on the way.

SEE COMPETITION PAGE 12

Celebrate with us!

April 28 | 5:30-8pm | Crowne Plaza

www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022

| 17

INDUSTRY LEADER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES THERESA D’ORSI Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc.

D’Orsi has built a strong foundation at Starkweather

BY HELENA TOUHEY

|

Contributing Writer

THERESA D’ORSI is the vice president of the construction practice group at Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc. in East Providence, where she’s worked for six years.

“My career actually chose me,” she said, recalling how a high school guidance counselor recommended she apply for a file clerk job at an insurance firm. That part-time job became a full-time position after graduation and began a career spanning three decades and counting.

D’Orsi attended Roger Williams University, while continuing to work full time during the day.

“Over the span of a couple different positions, I found my niche in the construction industry,” she said.

In her current role, a typical day can involve working from her office in East Providence or meeting clients at job sites or office buildings around the Northeast. Those clients range from business owners to office workers to safety engineers.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first began, she was away from the office for about 10 weeks.

“But as soon as I could, I came back,” she said, adding that she was soon meeting with clients safely in person. “If they were operating, we were operating, and they wanted to see us.”

responded with one word: confidence.

“In our industry, let’s face it, confidence matters,” she said. “In construction, you’re dealing mostly with men, [and] if you don’t have that confidence when you step into the room, they’re going to know it instantly.”

D’Orsi said her confidence and comfortability being in construction spaces may stem from when she was little, being the youngest child and only girl among her siblings.

“Maybe for me, it was easier because that’s all I knew growing up with three older brothers,” she said, describing how her friends would play with Barbie dolls and she “would be digging dirt and riding dirt bikes with my

brothers.”

When it comes to working with clients and earning their trust, “Just be honest,” she said.

“Whether you’re delivering good news or bad news, just be honest.”

“Theresa is a creative leader who thinks outside of the box to come up with innovative solutions to help clients manage and transfer risk,” Senior Vice President Peter Jacavone said. “She is a skilled relationship builder at increasing her professional reach, as well as forming lasting professional relationships.”

This is not the first time D’Orsi has been recognized for her work – she was previously featured in PBN as a Notable Woman in Construction. She is also an active member of the National Association of Women in Construction, National Utility Contractors Association of Rhode Island, and Associated Builders and Contractors of Rhode Island.

“I’m extremely passionate about what I do,” D’Orsi said. “Construction is unique and complex. My role is so much more than a transaction – it’s about understanding [the construction] industry and meeting them where they’re at.” n

‘Theresa is a creative leader who thinks outside of the box to come up with innovative solutions.’

PETER JACAVONE, Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc. senior vice president To be a woman in this field is a bit rare.

“Women are still very underrepresented in the construction industry,” D’Orsi said, noting the future of this sector still faces many challenges when it comes to being more inclusive.

As a result, over the course of her career, most of her mentors have been men, which she said served her well and helped her through.

Still, she would like to see more women in construction insurance.

“Here’s the scoop,” she said, “mentorships can help close the gender gap in construction.”

Starkweather & Shepley is doing its part to bridge this gap, D’Orsi said, noting there are “three other females who work on my team,” all of whom she has taken under her wing as mentees.

And the firm recently implemented a formal mentorship program.

“We’re just starting to get [that] off the ground,” she said, “which I’m really excited about.”

When asked what advice she’d give to women just beginning their careers, or those looking to advance their positions, D’Orsi

CLOSING THE GAP: Theresa D’Orsi, vice president of the construction practice group at Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc. in East Providence, says mentorships can help close the gender gap in construction.

PBN PHOTO/DAVE HANSEN

18 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WOMAN TO WATCH SUZANNE MORROW IMT Services LLC

Morrow flying high on meteoric rise

BY KIMBERLEY EDGAR

|

Contributing Writer

SUZANNE MORROW was new to the travel insurance industry when she joined Warwick-based IMT Services LLC, doing business as InsureMyTrip, in 2016.

Now, she’s the company’s first woman senior vice president, the second-highest position at IMT, which claims to be America’s first and largest travel insurance comparison company.

Leading through challenging times, mentoring others and clearly communicating travel insurance coverage benefits to travelers through national media has propelled Morrow.

“That’s Suzanne,” said Julie Loffredi, InsureMyTrip public relations director.

Morrow is a unique brand of candid, no-nonsense, Generation X businesswoman who doesn’t mince words. “No” is not in her vocabulary.

“Maybe it’s the military,” Morrow said. “I very much feel that saying ‘No’ to my boss is not a thing.”

Morrow, from South Kingstown,

joined the U.S. Air Force after high school and was based in Nebraska and Germany. There, the “20-nothing” honed her communications skills presenting 52-slide, dualscreen, cutting-edge multimedia intelligence briefings to military commanders.

“It scared the bejesus out of me to get in front of audiences and present,” Morrow said. “That’s part of why I did it. I look back now and say, ‘Wow!’ ” Morrow concluded eight years of active duty as a senior airman, leaving to pursue her goal to earn her bachelor’s degree by age 30.

Soon, she was juggling her classes with a new commission, serving with the Rhode Island Air National Guard through 2010, when she retired as a captain.

Meanwhile, following graduation with her information science degree from Johnson & Wales

RAPID ASCENT: Suzanne Morrow has risen through the ranks from client services program manager to senior vice president, the company’s second-highest position, in her six years at InsureMyTrip in Warwick.

PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

University’s School of Technology, she began working as the school’s practicum coordinator, arranging internships and teaching part time.

Realizing she enjoys educating others, Morrow transitioned into corporate training, then worked remotely for several companies before joining IMT as client services program manager. She was

promoted to product and services director in 2017 and to vice president of business development in 2021 before becoming senior vice president earlier this year.

“If you think about my crazy career, how I’ve rapidly moved up – six years from being a manager to a senior-level executive – what’s the next thing?” Morrow said.

“CEO, or C-level something.” n

PBN CONNECT provides your company exposure to a targeted audience of local business readers — executives and decision makers. With guaranteed promotion online, our high exposure platform increases your brand awareness and improves search engine visibility.

HIGHLIGHT AND PROMOTE YOUR COMPANY’S NEWS, AWARDS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESS RELEASES & MORE. THE PRESS RELEASE PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Your press release published on PBN.com within 24 hours (Monday-Friday) and archived on our site.

• Your press release featured on the home page of PBN.com and the PBN Connect Press Release page.

• 3 photos, approximately 500 words of text, clickable links to your website, social sharing and keywords to optimize search.

VISIT PBN.COM/PBNCONNECT www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022

| 19

INDUSTRY LEADER SOCIAL SERVICES/NONPROFIT KATJE AFONSECA Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island

Mentorship crucial to BBBSRI mission

BY HELENA TOUHEY

|

Contributing Writer

KATJE AFONSECA began her career at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island in Cranston as a college intern in 2004.

As a student at Johnson & Wales University, she took on a marketing internship, which segued into a job opportunity as the organization’s first marketing coordinator. She held this role for a few years before leaving to work at other organizations, eventually returning in 2013 to serve as director of development. Three years later, she was named executive director, and in 2020 the board changed her title to CEO. Afonseca not only oversees the operations of the organization but also its subsidiary, the Big Sisters Fund, which is a separate nonprofit entity that is overseen by the same board as Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Through her leadership position, Afonseca manages a staff of about 50 full- and part-time employees. The organization also has about 150 pairs of mentors and mentees, known as Bigs and Littles, formed of adults who are matched with youths. There are generally two types of mentorships: community-based, where the pair enjoy community outings such as going to the theater, zoo or movies. And there are also site-based mentorships, where the pair meets at a certain location with support staff.

years. One that was especially noteworthy was a school nurse who, when Afonseca was 12, took her under her wing following the death of an older sister who was 16.

“A lot of people didn’t know what to do with me,” Afonseca said, noting that this nurse was “compassionate but firm.” As a result, her relationship to mentoring is quite personal.

“Mentoring means so much because I had a traumatic experience in my childhood,” Afonseca said.

One thing Afonseca has observed in her time at Big Brothers Big Sisters is the inte-

gration period that comes with “acquiring employees who have worked elsewhere.”

Often, she says, they are traumatized by previous workplace cultures and are afraid to ask questions or voice concerns for fear of getting into trouble. Among women workers especially, she has noticed a general lack of confidence. As a result, Afonesca makes sure all her employees know that as long as they are honest, remain positive and work hard, they will be successful, individually and within the organization.

Part of being a CEO, she says, is going it alone at times.

“For anybody in a top position at a company, it means we don’t have a lot of peers,” Afonesca said, which is why she’s cultivated a network of other CEOs with whom she can bond and go to with questions or lend support as needed.

“I feel I have a really strong support system in my husband and family,” Afonseca said, advising others in leadership roles to “develop those support systems” in whatever way is best for them. n

‘When we’re happy and whole at home, we do better at work.’

KATJE AFONSECA Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island CEO While working at a Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Fall River, Afonseca learned of a match where the mentor became ill and wasn’t able to continue in that role, so she stepped in, mentoring the same boy for five years.

“We remain connected,” she said. “As he’s become a grown man, he’s reached out on multiple occasions to say thank you.”

Afonseca says the ethos of mentorship that the organization encourages and supports in the community is also part of its culture.

“When mentorship is embedded in the work culture, there’s not a feeling of competitiveness in the workplace – there’s collaboration,” she said.

Afonseca describes the work culture as very supportive and collaborative, and very family-oriented.

“Work does not come first for me – my family does,” she said, adding that she doesn’t expect work to come first for her employees, either. “When we’re happy and whole at home, we do better at work.”

This attitude, she says, doesn’t hinder workplace achievement. On the contrary, it seems to support success.

“People constantly meet their goals, or exceed them,” Afonseca said, which she attributes to staff not having to worry about worklife balance or question the need to prioritize family.

Afonseca has had many mentors over the

FAMILY FIRST: Katje Afonseca, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island in Cranston, doesn’t expect her employees to put work before family, adding that the approach supports success rather than hinders workplace achievement.

PBN PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

20 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

SOCIAL SERVICES/NONPROFIT WOMAN TO WATCH AMY CHAUNT Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket

Telling club’s story raises record funds

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

AMY CHAUNT came to her role as director of development and communications at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket at an odd time. It was March 2020 – the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She met her new colleagues on Zoom. There were no kids in the building playing sports. The pool sat empty.

“So, I sat back, took a deep breath and just took it day by day,” Chaunt said. “I tried to figure out how to make an impact and make people here trust me.”

Part of Chaunt’s formula for success was to communicate the real-life, day-to-day impact that club contributors have on youths in the community.

A former journalist who earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Chaunt is a trained storyteller who uses that skill to bring the club’s mission to life. It’s the best way she knows to show donors where their dollars go.

Chaunt also makes it a point to interact with kids at the club

– now that they are back in the building – to find out specifically how they are benefiting.

“I love telling stories. I just felt like working in journalism wasn’t a fit for me,” said Chaunt, who has worked for The Boston Globe and WHDH-TV. “But now, instead of telling stories in the news, I can change them before they are ­written.”

This ability helped Chaunt take the club’s Adopt-a-Family holiday program from 18-20 families to more than 80 served; redesign the Major Gift Campaign, including the communications component, raising over $160,000 in four months, with eight months left in the campaign – a new record;

HERE’S THE SCOOP: Amy Chaunt, director of development and communications at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, uses her journalism skills to bring the club’s mission to life and show donors where their dollars go, which has led to record fundraising.

PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

strategize new revenue streams; and create the first annual report in over a decade to highlight club accomplishments.

Chaunt, formerly director of development at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, is about efficiency and never straying from

the club’s mission. She visits the program side of the nonprofit as much as possible.

“I want to be sure I can talk to a donor and tell them about the impact they’ve had; that their gift helped a kid learn how to swim,” she said. n

E-NEWSLETTERS E-NEWSLETTERS

E-NEWSLETTERS Sign up for one or all of PBN’S FREE E-NEWSLETTERS at PBN.com

Sign up for one or all of PBN’S FREE E-NEWSLETTERS at PBN.com Sign up for one or all of PBN’S FREE E-NEWSLETTERS at PBN.com

THE delivered to your inbox daily.

THENEWS NEWSYOU YOU NEED NEED delivered to your inbox daily.

THE NEWS delivered to your inbox daily.

Content straight from YOU the PBN NEED newsroom, plus industry-specific news and insights.

Content straight from the PBN newsroom, plus industry-specific news and insights.

Content straight from the PBN newsroom, plus industry-specific news and insights.

• MORNING CALL: am.Summarizing Summarizingmajor major business items of the • MORNING CALL:Monday Monday--Friday Friday at at 6:30 6:30 am. business items of the day.day.

• MORNING CALL: Monday - Friday at 6:30 am. Summarizing major business items of the day.

• DAILY Fridayat at22pm. pm.The Theday’s day’s top business news.

• DAILYEDITION: EDITION:Monday Monday -- Friday top business news.

• DAILY EDITION: Monday - Friday at 2 pm. The day’s top business news.

• HEALTH CARE: Every Monday • HEALTH CARE: Every Monday

• HEALTH CARE: Every Monday • BANKING & FINANCE: Every Tuesday • BANKING & FINANCE: Every Tuesday • BANKING & FINANCE: Every Tuesday • TECHNOLOGY & MANUFACTURING: • TECHNOLOGY & MANUFACTURING: • TECHNOLOGY & MANUFACTURING: Every other Wednesday Every other Wednesday Every other Wednesday • NONPROFIT & EDUCATION: • NONPROFIT & EDUCATION: • NONPROFIT & EDUCATION: Every other Wednesday Every other Wednesday Every other Wednesday •REAL ESTATE: Every Thursday •REAL ESTATE: Every Thursday •REAL ESTATE: Every Thursday Add Events@PBN.com and Info@PBN.com to your address book to ensure that our newsletters get to your inbox.

Add Events@PBN.com and Info@PBN.comto toyour your address address book our newsletters getget to your inbox.

Add Events@PBN.com and Info@PBN.com bookto toensure ensurethat that our newsletters to your inbox. www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022

| 21

INDUSTRY LEADER TECHNICAL SERVICES PATRICIA ENO Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport

Eno doesn’t shy away from responsibility

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

AS HEAD OF THE SENSORS and Sonar Systems Department at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, Patricia Eno’s job comes with a lot of responsibility.

“We do really important work supporting the fleet and we do a lot of really interesting research,” Eno told Providence Business News. “I just couldn’t ask for a better place to work.”

As department head, Eno oversees a department that researches and produces sensors and sonar systems for the U.S. Navy, with a focus on prototypes, development, engineering, training and logistics related to maritime warfare.

Eno has spent the majority of her nearly 40-year career at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, which is part of the Naval Sea Systems Command, where Eno worked for about five years.

Eno started her career at NUWC in 1983, at the time working for the Engineering and Technical Services Department in New London, Conn. There, she conducted an independent exploratory development project, which established an in-house capability to design and have integrated circuits built for experimental surface ship and submarine towed arrays.

“The Sensors and Sonar Department supports the fleet all over the world and the fleet doesn’t sleep,” Eno said. “What we do helps the fleet to be successful and to keep the country safe; what we do really matters. It is so important that we do our work well. It is that responsibility to ensure we give the fleet the best that is so challenging.”

Hennings says he connected with Eno over a shared interest in reading and learning from history.

Talking about history was “one of the first conversations that I had with her,” he said.

“And it was from the perspective of if you don’t learn from history, then you’re kind of doomed to repeat it. And you can see that in the way she operates. She does not make the same mistake twice, if she even makes a mistake at all.

She carries that knowledge of history in her day-to-day practices.”

Eno applies that exacting precision to her work but also employs a collaborative ethos.

“I am by nature a team player. I prefer to work in an environment that encourages trust and individual contributions,” she said. “But leadership methods are tools to get a job done and I will change how to manage based on the task.”

As department head, Eno reflects on how her career has evolved throughout the years.

“If I have learned anything, it is to try to be the best you can be,” she said. “Try to reach a little more than you are comfortable with.

Don’t be afraid to try new things and take on responsibility.” n

‘Don’t be afraid to try new things and take on responsibility.’

PATRICIA ENO, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport Sensors and Sonar Systems Department head Previously, she worked full time in a graduate physics lab at Yale University while in college pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, a path that set her on her career trajectory working in a space that is embedded in high-level research.

“I loved working in an environment with a lot of really bright people doing really cool research,” she said. “And that was what I looked for when I was looking for a job. And really that is what NUWC is like.”

Eno also holds an MBA from Salve Regina University and an Advanced Acquisition Program Management Certificate from the Naval Post Graduate School.

Eno’s colleague and commanding officer of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, Capt. Chad F. Hennings, has worked with Eno for more than a year. He describes her as “very objective and no-nonsense,” adding that she “is very good at getting rid of fluff in a job and then just getting to the heart of the matter so that she can get things done in a very efficient and effective way.”

Eno’s previous roles include serving as the acting deputy department head for the Sensors and Sonar Systems Department and the deputy program manager for the AN-SQQ-89 sonar system.

SENSE OF PRIDE: Patricia Eno has spent the majority of her nearly 40-year career at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, where she now oversees the department responsible for the sensors and sonar systems used by the U.S. Navy.

PBN PHOTO/KATE WHITNEY LUCEY

22 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

TECHNICAL SERVICES WOMAN TO WATCH NISHITA ROY-POPE Tribe Academy LLC

Pushing companies to be more diverse

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

NISHITA ROY-POPE has been drawn to the concept of interconnectedness.

“I’ve always been very globally minded,” she said. “As the child of immigrants, I’m proud of my Indian heritage and international influences.”

Roy-Pope’s undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University in international politics and international relations was an effort to understand how global processes interact with one another, with study-abroad opportunities as part of that experience.

Cultural immersion offers a perspective on diversity that many don’t experience. Roy-Pope traveled to Cairo, Egypt, to better know an often-misunderstood region, and then to China, as part of her MBA studies at Texas A&M University.

“The China trip helped me to see how it was critical to our global economy,” she said. “It helped me see how international markets work and how the economy here would be driven by these emerging

countries.”

Since then, Roy-Pope has racked up a sizeable number of awards in diversity project recognition and community leadership. Her career has spanned areas of marketing, communications and recruiting.

With her love of all things international, diverse and multicultural, all roads led to Tribe Academy LLC in North Kingstown, a passion project that Roy-Pope started with co-founder Florcy Morisset in 2019. The organization stemmed from her talent diversity work in technology, she says, and work to accelerate the inclusion of traditionally underrepresented racial and cultural backgrounds in the worlds of business and STEM sectors, which include science, technology, engineering and math.

BROADENING VIEWS: Nishita Roy-Pope co-founded Tribe Academy LLC in North Kingstown to accelerate the inclusion of traditionally underrepresented racial and cultural backgrounds in the worlds of business and STEM sectors such as science, technology, engineering and math.

PBN PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

Tribe Academy brings together professionals of color with mentors, champions and coaches from companies such as Nike Inc., Tableau Software, Fidelity Investments Inc., CyberArk, Salesforce Inc. and Audible.

Companies that have trouble attracting a diverse workforce rely on Tribe Academy, which also helps them attract more diverse

t a h t e l p o e p e h t Reach with marketing that matter - r target audience . hits you

80%

“ “

sion are deci pany. s r e d a e of PBN r ithin their com w makers saying… r readers are u o t a h w ’s re He

Your publication is informative and always interesting. It should be must reading for anyone attempting to do business in Rhode Island.”

customers in the process, a beneficial end result.

“We tend to gravitate toward people like us,” Roy-Pope said. “As organizations, if we are homogeneous – if the starting point is not diverse – it’s harder to get there.”

Where the past decade has been one of connecting, leadership and diversity, Roy-Pope looks forward to more mission-based work. n

“ “ “

LOVE the PBN, particularly the BOOK OF LISTS and the digital now that I am working remotely.”

I like the newer format with each issue taking a deeper dive into one subject.”

The PBN is the best source for RI news.”

Keep up the good work.

Great content and appreciate hearing from leadership at Rhode Island employers.”

*Reader comments from the July 2020 CVC PBN subscriber survey.

PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS

PBN

Contact us today for information on all of our marketing options.

Advertising@PBN.com I 401.680.4800

www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022

| 23

ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE KRIS BRADNER Traverse Landscape Architects LLC

She established roots in architecture early

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

AMONG THE TYPICAL college prep courses offered at Kris Bradner’s high school, something different piqued her interest.

The private school she attended in Woodbury, Conn., had a required vocational agriculture program, which included classes on landscape design taught by Eugene Wisniewski. His passion inspired Bradner.

While becoming a landscape architect wasn’t exactly a traditional career path, Wisniewski presented the subject matter as fascinating, impactful and something Bradner could continue to study beyond high school.

“He talked about it, showed us things, was interested in plants and how the landscape and design of open space affects people,” Bradner said of the late Wisniewski. “He talked about the fact that we could go on and study this. He was instrumental in me looking at schools for landscape ­­architecture.”

Bradner learned that she liked the professional aspect of the work itself, especially the prob-

lem-solving, the process required, taking charge and figuring out how to get goals accomplished.

She’s honed those skills over the years to become principal at Traverse Landscape Architects LLC in Providence.

On recent projects, Traverse has enhanced education facilities with native vegetation that are habitats for birds and butterflies, producing project-based learning options; utilized salvaged granite from foundation work to keep a cohesive design; and integrated interior and exterior spaces.

All of it comes together to “enhance human experience through design,” with spaces to walk, gather, learn and coexist with nature more effectively.

At the Castle Hill Inn in Newport, the firm designed an outdoor dining area – called The Lawn – overlooking the waterfront. The space was particularly challenging because of the steep terrain

PASSIONATE PURSUIT: Kris Bradner, principal at Traverse Landscape Architects LLC in Providence, was inspired by one of her high school teachers to pursue a career in landscape design.

PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

and rock below the soil.

When Rhode Island College built a new nursing building on its Providence campus, Traverse was hired to develop the landscaping plans.

Traverse has also worked on exterior spaces of other prominent school projects, such as the construction of the new East Providence High School and the

Barrington Middle School.

In fact, schools, including public and private new construction and additions, now represent about 60% of its business.

Bradner is pleased with the firm’s growth over the last decade and she’s proud of the rich dynamics within the organization, based on relationship-building. n

ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE PHYLLIS CANNAVA Office Direct Cannava Design Ltd.

Her road to success was office design

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

PHYLLIS CANNAVA WILL BE the first to tell you that she’s not one to sit around – on office chairs or any other seating, for that matter.

That’s why the 78-year-old owner of Warwick-based Office Direct Cannava Design Ltd. will remain a sales representative of the company she founded in 1989 when she steps down in a couple of years. She plans to hand the reins to senior designer Meghan Robinson, who joined the company in 2005.

“That way, I will be able to play more tennis, but I’ll still be here, still doing what I love,” Cannava said.

The thought of completely leaving the company she has built for more than three decades isn’t on her radar just yet.

Office Direct is a commercial furniture dealership that offers clients better prices over competitors, as it buys directly from manufacturers. It also purchases materials such as discontinued flooring at deep discounts for clients, along with refurbished,

previously owned items, such as workstations.

Cannava started the company after a divorce and after years of working in the then-male-dominated furniture sales industry when she saw what her employers in the furniture business did wrong. Not appreciating their employees was one mistake. When her final employer went into its fourth bankruptcy and her commission check was not forthcoming, it was a sign that something drastic had to be done. A new business was born.

Maintaining professional relationships and seeing opportunities to start new ones has helped the company offer the full gamut to its clients, whether it is offering services or products directly or outsourcing.

These relationships also came in handy during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cannava said. Office

DESIGNING WOMEN: Phyllis Cannava, right, president of Office Direct Cannava Design Ltd., a commercial furniture dealership in Warwick, looks over samples and blueprints with senior designer Meghan Robinson, left, and designer Meghan Ryan.

PBN FILE PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

Direct was already in the process of providing interiors for several large buildings, she said. But faroff arrival dates with items such as refrigerators for office kitchens produced a lot of uncertainty in projects. It helped to have strong bonds with many suppliers.

24 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

“I see ‘no’ as the beginning of ‘yes.’ I would look at my options, and if one doesn’t work, I’d look at another, or another,” Cannava said. “I’ve been in business so long that the manufacturing reps are there for us and we’ve built relationships along the way.”n

Keep up with PBN’s 2022 roundup of the leaders making a difference throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

At companies across the region, notable leaders are running businesses, navigating company restructuring, serving on boards, and investing in growth.

The notable individuals profiled in these categories are commendable examples of the work being done here in our market.

Share your success with your customers and employees in these upcoming special sections.

JULY 8: NOTABLE WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING & TECH

SEPTEMBER 2: NOTABLE WOMEN IN INSURANCE

OCTOBER 14: NOTABLE WOMEN IN LAW

NOVEMBER 11: NOTABLE WEALTH MANAGERS

Deadline June 29

Deadline October 5

Deadline August 24

Deadline November 2

R E S E R V E Y O U R A D S P A C E E A R L Y. Contact your Account Manager or Advertising@PBN.com | 401.680.4800

www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022

| 25

ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE ANGELA CRAIG Admiral Fitzroy Inn

Craig became part of historic inn’s fabric

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

BEFORE BECOMING INKEEPER at Newport’s historic Admiral Fitzroy Inn in 2004, Angela Craig and her husband, Peter Gagnon, had what Craig calls a “learning experience,” a cautionary tale for other small-business owners.

They bought The Villa Bed & Breakfast in Westerly, a transaction she made happen in part by selling her mother’s wedding ring, she says. There were factors working against them, Craig said.

One of those factors: the property only had seven rooms to rent at that time, not enough to generate sufficient revenue. Also, the couple didn’t have much to invest back into the property.

Craig found that maintenance was one of the most challenging parts of innkeeping: a combination of ongoing tasks, repairs, upgrades and the downtime needed to get all the work accomplished. The couple owned the property for four years, ultimately realizing that they would have needed more money upfront to have made the business a success, and eventually sold it.

However, the experience at the

Villa became a crucial element of the overall value of Craig, who dove in headfirst, only to realize she preferred being an operator more than an owner. She moved on to work as a front desk associate at Castle Hill Inn, the sister property of the Admiral Fitzroy Inn. Nine months later, the hospitality talents she then brought as innkeeper of the Admiral Fitzroy – the 18-room, Thames Street inn on the National Register of Historic Places – included resourcefulness, patience and knowledge honed over years in the business. Gagnon was part of the package.

By this time, the two were a well-oiled machine.

“We cooked; we handled housekeeping, front desk, breakfast, bookkeeping – we did everything we were doing when we owned an inn ourselves except pay the

PLACE­SETTER: Angela Craig prepares the dining room at Newport’s historic Admiral Fitzroy Inn, where she started as the innkeeper in 2004.

PBN FILE PHOTO/KATE WHITNEY LUCEY

mortgage,” she said. “We took on the Admiral Fitzroy like it was our own, as we came in knowing more than the owners.”

Craig said that there was no rulebook for handling COVID-19.

The team had to do its best.

“We knew all our calls were going to be cancelations. We didn’t have money to refund, so we were putting people on a waitlist and seeing if they would take vouchers for future stays to help us out after COVID-19 passed,” Craig said. n

ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE JAN FAUST DANE Stock Culinary Goods

Faust Dane nurtures community vibe

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

JAN FAUST DANE has been a writer, editor, public relations consultant and an enthusiast of dinner parties, but she knew nothing about running a retail shop when she opened Stock Culinary Goods in Providence in 2012.

This heading into the unknown, like preparing a new dish for the first time, all began with basic ingredients. For Dane, those ingredients were her appreciation for small, local culinary businesses.

It would be several years before she took the plunge and started Stock Culinary Goods.

Dane worked as a contributing editor for Rhode Island Monthly from 2008 to 2010, and then for the upscale Ocean House in Westerly – a role that she says brought her future plans into focus.

“My title was ‘food forager and director of culinary education,’ ” she said. “Which meant I was the go-between for local farms and restaurants. I’d present what I could find, or the owner would ask me to find certain things for the menu.

This took my interest in the local economy, which had been stirred

up through my shop guides work, and drilled it down to our local farms and restaurants.”

The store was formerly the European Deli, and its mustardinterior walls and brick-patterned wallpaper needed changing. Old deli cases had to be hauled away.

But the biggest budget-buster was the floor, Dane said. When terracotta tiles were removed, an unwelcome surprise was underneath: a pockmarked, ancient terrazzo tile floor, original to the 1920s-era building.

Once up and running, the business was a trial by fire, said Dane, who had never owned or managed a retail shop before. She took out a small-business loan and intended to carry locally made and smallbatch products.

“But at the store’s opening, I only had a few hundred products,”

BIG MIX: Jan Faust Dane opened Stock Culinary Goods in Providence in 2012 intending only to sell local, small-batch products. She quickly realized she needed to grow the array of offerings.

PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

she said. “I was undercapitalized.

The community needed mashers; they needed peelers. You can’t get those bespoken. You need to work with a recognized company. So, we grew our array of products.”

Today, Stock Culinary Goods’ merchandise includes cookware, bakeware, grocery items, linens and serveware. Learning from scratch has its benefits, though, Dane said. She came to retail without expectations and built upon that clean slate.

26 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

Dane said that bringing her sister Jill Eilertson to the team in the shop’s fifth year was a high point. Eilertson’s skill set has been invaluable at the business, Dane said, combining graphic design, cooking knowledge, friendly service and more.

“One thing we stressed is that this was to be a people-first store.

It’s more than transactional,” Dane said. n

JESSICA KENNEDY Beeline Loans Inc.

ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE.

A ‘Beeline’ out of legal world, and into finance

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

JESSICA KENNEDY HAS GONE from Florida to Boston to Rhode Island and from the workday rat race to helping others out of the often blood-boiling mortgage application process.

Her own career track is an example, and so is her Providence company, Beeline Loans Inc. – designed to provide consumers a way to obtain a home loan in a far less tedious and time-consuming process than the current antiquated setup.

Kennedy, Beeline’s chief operating officer, and other co-founders launched the company in 2020, which shakes up the traditional home-loan system to make it easier and less stressful for people buying homes by allowing them to do it all from their mobile phones in real time and in as little as 15 minutes.

The technology makes the loan underwriting and document review process seamless for both the borrower and the underwriter, but the road to this new kind of mortgage company – which started out with 12 people and now has a team

of 85 – first began with Kennedy finding a career track that best suited her and her place in life.

As an attorney, Kennedy grew tired of the frenetic pace of corporate life and knew it couldn’t continue as her family grew.

From 2015 to 2019 she worked for Solidifi Title & Closing LLC of Middletown, where the pace was less frantic, she said. Ultimately, Kennedy left Solidifi and started Beeline along with co-founders Nick Liuzza, Peter Gonzalez, Greg Ellis, Jay Stockwell and Cameron Slabosz.

While starting a business in a pandemic isn’t ideal, the launch also came during an upswing in the housing market and a boom in mortgage refinancing due to low interest rates. Beeline saw immediate growth, climbing to a revenue run rate of $13 million in the first year. It’s now operating

BUILDING ANEW: Jessica Kennedy is co-founder and chief operating officer of Beeline Loans Inc., a startup that offers a web platform for potential borrowers to seek mortgage approvals quickly.

PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

in 12 states.

Creating a healthier work-life balance for herself is echoed in the healthier, stress-reduced mortgage application process Beeline says it offers.

“Nick had always had this idea.

He had worked with so many lenders and thought, ‘There has to be a better way.’ There was just no one

CLARE KING Propel LLC

applying technology in a meaningful way in this space,” Kennedy said. “There was no commonsense way of doing business here. Buyers were at a disadvantage. It was like the little guy losing out. But it doesn’t need to be like that. There is a more transparent way to work with a customer and let them be part of the purchase.” n

ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE

Opportunities weaved into King’s career

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

CLARE KING LIKES to mix things up.

She sees opportunity in combinations others may not.

This might explain why her Pawtucket company, Propel LLC, solves problems by bridging two seemingly unrelated sectors – textile manufacturing and technology.

A London native, King’s undergraduate degree from Oxford University wasn’t in just one major but in a combination of subjects: philosophy, politics and economics. Her graduate degree, from Princeton University’s School of International Affairs in New Jersey, was in public affairs – equipping her for public policy work and economic analysis.

“I like to think I work in economic development in the innovation space. I always say that my Oxford education taught me how to ask questions and my Princeton education taught me how to answer them,” said King, who started Propel in 2006. “I use that knowledge to figure out how to attack a problem. There is never one solution.”

King has long found opportu-

nities in contract work with the military, such as from 1995 to 2000 when she served as director of sales and marketing for a North Smithfield manufacturer that specialized in films and laminates.

Starting her own company has allowed King freedom to explore and pursue work she deems as profitable or interesting in a market where she sees great promise.

But while her economic training leads her, King says she also operates on instinct.

She is constantly referencing Propel’s profit-and-loss statement to see where the company spends its money and time.

Case in point: Her purchase of a 3D knitting machine a few years ago – a $160,000 investment. 3D knitting creates seamless garments without the need for sewing or cut-

FINDING SOLUTIONS: Clare King, left, founder of Pawtucket-based manufacturer Propel LLC, says the knowledge she gained from Oxford University taught her how to ask questions and her Princeton University education taught her how to answer them. At right is Birgit Leither, product design and development lead. PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

ting. This eliminates wasted fabric and the need to keep inventory, and cuts carbon emissions and energy usage. King says 3D knitting is showing even more promise

with pandemic supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine prompting more U.S. companies to consider purchasing domestic products. n

www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022

| 27

ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE KATHLEEN MOREN Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc.

Moren guides those who will be mothers

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

MANY YEARS AGO, registered nurse Kathleen Moren noticed that breastfeeding mothers in Rhode Island were lacking the support they needed.

Her time working as a nurse in Chicago was markedly different than what she saw available to the health care industry and its patients when she moved to Rhode Island. There was programming in Chicago to ensure mothers received the lactation support in the hospital and beyond, she said.

In Rhode Island, Moren believed that help fell short. So, she started Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. in East Greenwich in 1999.

The licensed and accredited health-nursing agency provides mothers with in-home lactation consultations, sleep consultations, breast pump rentals and more.

When Moren first started her company, she would need to coordinate blood-draw appointments for patients’ newborns at the hospital where they were born. Hospitals wanted to check babies’ bilirubin levels.

Bilirubin is formed when red

blood cells break down and are excreted by the body. But infants can take some time after birth to properly metabolize bilirubin and can develop a condition called jaundice, which needs close monitoring. Some newborns need a treatment where the bilirubin is converted to a different form so the liver and kidneys can more easily process and excrete it. This kind of treatment – phototherapy – involves exposure to a special kind of blue-green light.

The problem, Moren said, is that doing the blood draw at the hospital could result in a baby being readmitted or the discharge being delayed if bilirubin levels were high. Breastfeeding mothers would need to stay at the hospital – and would often have to make babysitting arrangements for other siblings at home – or go home and be separated from their newborns.

BRIGHT IDEA: Kathleen Moren, Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. president, displays phototherapy equipment that allows nurses from her company to treat babies with jaundice at home rather than in a hospital.

PBN FILE PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

But now, partnering with certain health insurers, Healthy Babies, Happy Moms offers bilirubin blood draws, assessments and home visits from registered nurses who can use at-home phototherapy equipment.

“I have to say that I am equally proud of being able to help those

women,” Moren said. “They shouldn’t be made to feel that they are doing something wrong, or that they are a failure. There is a nonjudgmental space in my company to help them navigate whatever they want to do. Some want to pump, some nurse twice a day … we help all of them.” n

ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE DIEP NGUYEN Elite Title & Closing Services LLC

Nguyen’s long journey takes her to legal field

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

DIEP NGUYEN is a lawyer and managing member of Elite Title & Closing Services LLC in East Providence, a business she launched in 2004. But the early years of her life were very different from many others in her industry.

Nguyen’s family was forced to flee Vietnam after the war in the 1970s, piling into a boat and sailing into the South China Sea when Nguyen was 2. She arrived in the U.S. in 1979, along with her mother, father, grandmother and brother, who was born in a refugee camp in Taiwan during the journey. Another brother was born in the U.S. Nguyen was one of nearly 800,000 “boat people” who fled Vietnam by boat and ship during the humanitarian crisis left behind after the Vietnam War in 1975 through the early 1990s.

Rhode Island became Nguyen’s new home thanks to the activism of others.

Nguyen learned a strong work ethic from her parents. The couple, who later divorced, owned a convenience store at one point, Nguyen

said.

Early in her work life, Nguyen worked at Honey Dew Donuts because her former in-laws owned a chain of doughnut shops. “It gave me time to take care of my daughter, who I had when I was 21,” she said.

Soon enough, she was looking for more, and found it. “One of my friends at Fleet Mortgage [then a subsidiary of FleetBoston Financial Corp.] said there was a position open in quality control,” Nguyen said. “Since then, I have been in the business. I love it because it’s fast-paced. You meet so many people, and it’s never the same thing twice.”

Nguyen started climbing the ladder, becoming a senior closer with Equity Title & Closing Services Inc. in East Providence in the late 1990s. She became a ­paralegal

TITLE TALK: Diep Nguyen, right, managing member of Elite Title & Closing Services LLC in East Providence, meets with Robert Watson, associate a ­ ttorney.

PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

and manager at a local office of Chicago Title Insurance Co. from 1999 to 2004.

She used that experience to start Elite Title & Closing, and then bolstered her background with higher education. Nguyen’s decision to start her own practice originated not from displeasure about working for others but from a desire to continue her profes-

28 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

sional ­development.

Fluent in Vietnamese, Nguyen can communicate with Vietnamese clients. The trust is so strong that many will ask her to perform legal work outside of real estate or help them read mail they have received – some of it junk mail – that they don’t understand. Many see her as an adviser who speaks their native language. n

HARMONY OSCHEFSKI The Bodhi Spa LLC ACHIEVEMENT

HONOREE

Oschefski’s spa picking up steam

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

THE BODHI SPA LLC co-owner Harmony Oschefski built her business around family memories full of free-spirited living and simple, sustainable habits with hydrotherapy built right in.

As it turns out, these water-wellness practices are now resonating with clients looking for health and relaxation in Newport, Providence and soon in Boston.

Oschefski’s parents, who had Rhode Island ties, first introduced Oschefski to the water therapy that would eventually become the core of her business, which she runs with her sister, Cedar Hwang.

Oschefski worked for a time as a sales manager for a pharmaceutical company. But at 25, she decided to make a dramatic change. She left her job and traveled for several years, sailing with Hwang, a competitive sailor.

At one point, after visiting countries such as Australia where reusable grocery bags were common, she used her contact in the manufacturing and grocery store sectors to launch a project designed to increase the popularity of reusable

bags in Canada.

“Being as young as I was, it just kind of fizzled out, I guess,” she said of the initiative.

Another business idea wasn’t far behind.

It was on a trip to Hawaii visiting what Oschefski calls a “holein-the-wall spa,” with a delivery method much like her sauna-cold water experience, that got her entrepreneurial wheels turning.

Bodhi Spa opened in Newport in 2015 with six employees.

Though an ancient method from European hydrotherapy spas, many people have never experienced the sauna/cold-water plunge combination, Oschefski says. It’s proved to be a unique, successful business offering what she and Hwang have branded the Water Journey.

It involves a recommended series of steps that include a soak in

UNIQUE OFFERING: Harmony Oschefski is co-owner of The Bodhi Spa LLC, with locations in Newport and Providence, where she and her sister, Cedar Hwang, offer clients what they call the Water Journey, a sauna session followed by a plunge in cold water.

PBN FILE PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

a Dead Sea salt pool, steam room, cold plunges, Epsom salt pool and showers in between. Oschefski said benefits include reduction of muscle swelling, improved cardiovascular function and a flood of neurotransmitters, which provides the euphoric feeling.

Now with 59 staff members, Bodhi Spa opened its Providence location in the fall of 2020 in a former cigar bar on Federal Hill.

Oschefski and Hwang are seeking

a 10,000-square-foot spa location in Boston.

The business continues to grow.

But the joy of providing the steam heat-cold plunge experience of her youth to others never fades.

“Once, a little old lady came into our spa and took part in our Water Journey. She’d never done anything like that before. She said as she was leaving, ‘I feel like I am floating on a magic carpet,’ ” Oschefski said. n

KIMBERLY PUCCI Kimberly Pucci LLC ACHIEVEMENT

HONOREE

Crafted goods with an Italian touch

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

IF TWO THINGS have impacted Kimberly Pucci, it’s safe to say they have been the Italian region of Tuscany and the art of producing finely crafted goods, such as highend jewelry and genuine leather bags.

The tagline for her company, Kimberly Pucci LLC, which has a storefront on Newport’s Thames Street, is “American luxury with Tuscan heritage.” Her website offers items such as diamond drop earrings, made of 18-carat white gold for $12,000; an amethyst doublet ring of 18-carat rose gold for $5,800; and wine totes of premium pebble leather inside and out for $950.

“My craftsmen create for every luxury brand,” Pucci said. “I am not only an entrepreneur, but I know how to sell what I make. My target market? It’s me. We offer these items without compromising, right down to the zipper on a handbag, or a prong or shank on a ring. No detail is overlooked.”

She spent her junior year at the University of Rhode Island abroad in the Tuscany region of Italy, immersed in art and culture at the

Università degli Studi di Firenze in Florence.

After graduation, she planned to attend law school in the U.S. But that plan was disrupted.

“I couldn’t get Florence out of my head,” Pucci said.

After graduating, she instead moved back to the city she loved, nannying to make money.

Like a layered painting, Pucci gained education in classic art and crafts from various perspectives.

She made it a point to chat with goldsmiths, woodworkers, painters and sculptors who frequented her favorite Florence cappuccino bar about their commissions.

Jobs at Ferragamo and Gucci followed, as well as a position at a jewelry shop on the Ponte Vecchio, its owners from a family of jewelers dating back to the 1300s, Pucci said.

She became retail director,

ITALIAN INSPIRATION: Kimberly Pucci, owner and creative director of Kimberly Pucci LLC in Newport, was inspired by the Tuscany region of Italy and the artisans and craftsmen she encountered while living there to launch her own business.

PBN FILE PHOTO/DAVE HANSEN

working there for 11 years while designing on the side.

“There, I was initially weighing gold for 10 hours a day,” Pucci said. “Now, when I go to pick up pieces from suppliers and estimate its weight, they laugh because I am able to tell. But we didn’t have digital scales back then.”

After getting married and hav-

ing her first child in Italy, missing family in Rhode Island brought Pucci back home in 2006. Her daughter was 1 year old.

But she certainly didn’t leave the luxury goods industry behind.

What she calls “slow luxury” – taking time to produce fine jewelry and leather goods with care and create products its owners love – stays with her. n

www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022

| 29

ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE MANYA RUBINSTEIN Industrious Spirit Co.

Creative connections make her spirits soar

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

NEW YORK CITY NATIVE Manya Rubinstein is CEO of Industrious Spirit Co. in Providence, leading a like-­ minded team and creating sustainably sourced vodka, gins and bourbons. It all happens in a city where Rubinstein has found her groove and set roots.

Originally, Rubinstein suspected publishing was her calling.

After graduating from Brown University in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature, she landed a job at the magazine Vanity Fair in New York City, her hometown.

But something back in Rhode Island kept tugging at her.

In Providence, she found kinship in the tight-knit, creative community she discovered – artisans of all kinds working and sharing ideas around metals, glass and foods. Once she graduated and left the state, though, “I was missing this amazing energy that I just started getting to know here,” Rubinstein said.

She missed that energy to such an extent that she began coming back to Rhode Island on weekends.

“It was its smallness,” she said of the Ocean State. “If you wanted to talk to someone about doing something, you can because we all know each other. It doesn’t take too many steps to accomplish your goals. I like this sense of possibility and this collaborative nature.”

Rubinstein became active in Providence’s Steel Yard industrial artists’ and makers’ community, which offers courses and residencies for artists in mediums such as ceramics and metals. She served on its board from 2014-2019.

Through this creative Providence community, Rubinstein met Dan Neff, a ceramicist and welder with a passion for fermentation who had also worked in food service. He wanted to open a distillery.

Rubinstein had been restarting

TAPPING THE ENERGY: Manya Rubinstein, CEO of Industrious Spirit Co., a distillery in Providence, says she was drawn to the city and the closeness and collaborative nature among its artisans.

PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

some consulting work when Neff shared his vision with her. “Dan and I started working together and I became intrigued,” she said. Now partners, the two found their chief financial officer Doug Randall, a Columbia Business School classmate of Rubinstein’s, and they started hatching plans for Industrious Spirit.

Rubinstein especially loved the idea of a distillery as a gathering place. The process of creating

sustainable spirits and honoring the creative people who previously inhabited the former Providence Steel and Iron Co. complex where Industrious Spirit is located – it had been artists’ studios – took the artisanal theme full circle.

Rubinstein, Neff and Randall took their time opening the business, discussing philosophy, raising capital and managing construction. The space was completely renovated. n

ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE VALERIE SOUTHERN Valerie J. Southern Transportation Consultant LLC

Her transit career was a winding road

BY SUSAN SHALHOUB

|

Contributing Writer

WITH A CAREER in transportation planning, engineering and design in both rural and urban settings, Valerie Southern learned a lot before setting out on her own.

Before she started Valerie J. Southern Transportation Consultant LLC, time working for others was full of high-profile projects and organizations. Now on the cusp of retirement, Southern plans to share wisdom – especially about networking – with other female entrepreneurs.

Born in Illinois, Southern was one of five children in a military family. When she was in kindergarten, her father was assigned to Quonset Point Naval Air Station in North Kingstown, and the family relocated to Jamestown.

She served as deputy director of policy under Gov. Edward D. DiPrete from 1987 to 1990 before accepting a position for two years as deputy secretary of transportation planning and capital programming at the Mass. Executive Office of Transportation and Construction, where she helped oversee a $1.6 billion budget.

But she later decided to start

her own consulting firm in Seattle and hire independent contractors to help her and company senior engineer Gary Norris with transportation projects. The firm’s expertise ranges from long- and short-term master planning to traffic engineering and design to parking supply and demand analysis.

The professional networking mindset Southern used is one any new entrepreneur can adopt, she said.

“It’s a matter of communicating my desire to bring my knowledge to a project and communicating that I am qualified,” she said. “It’s not the type of thing where someone is doing me a favor; it’s establishing a mutual agreement that we have something to offer each other. That’s a respectful starting point.”

She began getting calls from government entities and established businesses, asking her to join their teams. But the world of

ON THE ROAD: Transportation expert Valerie Southern, owner of Valerie J. Southern Transportation Consultant LLC, monitors foot and car traffic on Bellevue Avenue in Newport as part of her data collection before making safety recommendations for the city’s streets.

PBN FILE PHOTO/DAVID HANSEN

entrepreneurship was very different from the public and corporate domains to which she had grown accustomed.

“When I made the transition from a very large, well-staffed firm to an independent existence, all that corporate support was gone,” she said.

Southern returned to Jamestown in 2015. There weren’t many women of color running businesses in this field, and she was

30 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com

largely unknown in the area. But Southern made inroads, and she joined the Rhode Island chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies and other industry groups.

Involvement in such organizations will continue in Southern’s pending retirement. As for the transportation industry overall, she sees hope in President Joe Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill. n

APPLY. NOMINATE. SPONSOR. ATTEND.

’S UPCOMING EVENTS

BESTPLACES TO

WORK★RI AWARDS

40

under

forty AWARDS

of Rhode Island AWARDS

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN JUNE 8 | CROWNE PLAZA | 5:30-8PM Celebrate the state’s best employers, who are selected based on extensive employee surveys and feedback reports from Best Companies Group. #PBNBPTWawards WINNERS ANNOUNCED EARLY JUNE JULY 21 | ALDRICH MANSION | 5:30-8PM Recognizes forty men and women, under the age of 40, who are successful in their careers and involved in their communities. Tickets available early June. #PBN40UnderFortyAwards ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN AUGUST 4 | PROVIDENCE MARRIOTT | NOON-2PM Healthiest Employers in Rhode Island recognizes employers who have implemented worksite Health & Wellness programs and have shown a commitment to employee health and safety. Tickets available end of June. #PBNHealthiestEmployers APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN AUGUST 18 | ALDRICH MANSION | 5:30-8PM PBN’s newest award program will recognize leaders over the age of 50 for their notable success and strong leadership, both in their fields and in the community, as well as a sustained demonstration of leading others. #PBN25LeadersandAchievers

FASTEST GROWING

&

AWARDS

AWARDS

APPLICATIONS OPEN EARLY JUNE SEPTEMBER 29 | GRADUATE HOTEL | 5:30-8PM Two great programs, one great event celebrating both growth and innovation in the region. #PBNFGIC SAVE THE DATE NOVEMBER 9 WATERFIRE ARTS CENTER | 5:30-8PM Recognizes manufacturers in multiple categories including Lean Manufacturing, Exporting, Workforce Development, Product Innovation and Design. Two individuals will receive the Leadership & Strategy and Manufacturing Champion Award. #PBNMFG SAVE THE DATE DECEMBER 1 | CROWNE PLAZA | 9-11AM Learn about best practices for leveraging DEI in the workplace. In addition, companies and leaders will be recognized for their exceptional efforts in promoting DEI within their organization and in the community. #PBNDiversitySummit

LEARN MORE AT PBN.COM/EVENTS For advertising and sponsorship opportunities contact 401.680.4800 or Advertising@PBN.com www.pbn.com | BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 n PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS | MAY 2022

| 31

Amgen is a proud sponsor of PBN’s Business Women Awards.

As a company dedicated to developing women and diverse leaders, we want to congratulate this year’s winners.

32 | MAY 2022 | PROVIDENCE BUSINESS NEWS n BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2022 | www.pbn.com