Michael Friedman is Director of Sales and Leasing at Paolino Properties. He focuses his practice on commercial and investment properties. He is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts and has worked at Sweeney Real Estate and Appraisal and Gaspee Real Estate Partners. Michael was previously Vice President at Clubhouse Capital LLC, a corporate finance advisory firm located in Providence, RI and Gerber Finance Inc., an Asset Based Lender to lower middle market companies. He is also the managing partner of Mulligan’s Island, LLC, operator of a golf and family entertainment center in Cranston, RI. Michael graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business with a BS in Economics and a concentration in Accounting and Entrepreneurial Management. He is a native of Providence and now lives in East Greenwich where he currently resides with his wife and three children. Michael joined the Board in 2009 and sits on the Executive and Development Committees.
Sharon Conrad-Wells has been in community development work for most of her life, professionally and personally. After working as a computer systems analyst and serving as Clerk to the RI Senate Corporations Committee, she returned to her roots and became involved with the West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation where she as been the Executive Director since 1991. Under Sharon’s leadership, West Elmwood Housing is a member of NeighborWorks America and holds several national certifiations including Home Ownership Center, Full Cycle Lender, Green Organization and HUD approved counseling agency. Sharon has completed the arduous adaptive reuse redevelopment of two Brownfield historic mills and three low income tax credit rental projects. A recent example of one of her projects is Sankofa Apartments, a new construction of low income rental properties that was completed in August of 2016; it has an abutting urban agriculture component and won a Smart Growth Award in 2017.
Sharon serves on the Board of Directors for Care New England, the Brain Injury Association of RI, the Housing Network of RI, and the Integra Medicaid AE Governing Council. She holds a Master of Education degree from Cambridge College and is a Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Achieving Excellence in Community Development fellow. She joined the Board in 2017.
Sharon serves on the Board of Directors for Care New England, the Brain Injury Association of RI, the Housing Network of RI, and the Integra Medicaid AE Governing Council. She holds a Master of Education degree from Cambridge College and is a Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Achieving Excellence in Community Development fellow. She joined the Board in 2017.
Michael A. DeCataldo is the former managing partner at Sansiveri, Kimball & Co., L.L.P. and the former managing member of SK Wealth Management, L.L.C., the firm’s fee-only financial planning arm. Michael retired from active practice in December, 2018. When practicing, Michael specialized in advising clients in the areas of tax, accounting and financial planning. As the managing member of SK Wealth Management, Michael provided comprehensive financial planning and investment advisory services. Michael is a life-time member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Rhode Island Society of Certified Financial Planners. In April of 2010, Michael received the Mission Award from the RI Society of Certified Public Accountants – an award that recognizes outstanding leadership within the Society, the accounting profession and/or the greater community. Michael serves on the board of Grow Smart RI, is a member of the Bristol County Savings Bank advisory committee and the Saint Robert Bellarmine finance committee.
Muraina Akinfolarin knows the value of education and the importance of giving back to one’s community. In addition to the 30+ years he spent as a Residential Engineer for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. Helping to revitalize the state’s roads and bridges. Mr. Akinfolarin has also made great strides to give back to his community through his involvement in non-profit organizations such as Oasis International. Starting out as the Program Director, he now serves as the Executive Director, helping to advocate and support his community. Providing economic literacy and credit counseling for residents and well as supporting and engaging youth in activities that help develop their skills and creativity, promoting social change, and civil engagement within the community.
Lloyd P. Albert currently serves as Senior Vice President of Public / Government Affairs at AAA Northeast, an auto club serving over 5.7 million members in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Lloyd is a registered lobbyist who directs legislative and public policy activities for the motor club, and serves as its official spokesperson. Previously, he served as AAA’s Vice President of Branch Operations, overseeing the club’s 63 branch offices. He currently serves on AAA’s national Public Affairs Committee and Issues Subcommittee, both dealing with policy development for the 58 million-member federation, as well as numerous ad hoc work groups and task forces. Prior to joining AAA in 1995, Albert worked for Brooks Pharmacy as Assistant Vice President / Region Manager, where he directed store operations across an 8-state region in the northeast. Albert’s past and present civic activities include participation on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Funding, the Rhode Island Transportation Advisory Council, the American Highway Users Alliance Board, the Executive Committee of the Narragansett Council – Boy Scouts of America, the National Eagle Scout Committee, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Federal Affairs Committee and Chair of its Transportation Committee, the Board of Inspiring Minds, Chair of the MADD RI Board, the Board of the Providence Foundation, the RI Traffic Safety Coalition (co-chair) and the Bonnet Shores Community Council / Land Trust. Albert is a graduate of Leadership Rhode Island and is the recent recipient of a National Outstanding Eagle Award from the BSA and the 10th Annual Transportation Highway Safety Award from RIDOT. A native of Northern Maine and a graduate of Dartmouth College, Lloyd and his wife Jean make their home in Narragansett, RI
Dan Baudouin, AICP, is the recently retired Executive Director of The Providence Foundation. The not-for-profit Foundation, founded in 1974, serves as a private-sector voice in downtown economic development issues, monitors public policy, and initiates projects that have a positive impact on Providence’s downtown and the City. The Foundation is supported by 125 leading corporations and institutions. A graduate of Fordham University, where he majored in economics, Dan also holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from New York University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, as well as a member of the International Downtown Association. He is a past president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Dan has held numerous volunteer Board positions throughout his career. Currently, he is a member of the Providence Economic Development Partnership, Rhode Island’s Transportation Advisory Committee, and Rhode Island Community for Justice. He was selected to receive the 2006 Distinguished Leadership Award by the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association. In 2007, he was elected to the Hall of Fame of the Providence/Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau. Dan lives in Providence. He joined the Board in 2010 and was one of Grow Smart’s founders.
Dan has held numerous volunteer Board positions throughout his career. Currently, he is a member of the Providence Economic Development Partnership, Rhode Island’s Transportation Advisory Committee, and Rhode Island Community for Justice. He was selected to receive the 2006 Distinguished Leadership Award by the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association. In 2007, he was elected to the Hall of Fame of the Providence/Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau. Dan lives in Providence. He joined the Board in 2010 and was one of Grow Smart’s founders.
John Chambers directs Fuss & O’Neill’s Brownfield and Urban Redevelopment team in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The multidisciplinary team includes environmental assessment, remediation, and site design engineers and scientists specializing in productive property re-use, site design and assessment and remediation. During his career John has completed a wide range of environmental assessment and remediation, water resource planning and development, and site redevelopment projects. John has extensive experience in brownfield and urban redevelopment, funding acquisition, development financing strategies, and multidisciplinary permitting and regulatory solutions. He has led many public outreach efforts and is a state leader in environmental justice regulation and policy. John graduated from Tufts University with a BS in Geology and received his Masters in Civil Engineering from Washington State University. He lives in Woodstock Valley, Connecticut. John joined the Board in 2012.
Trudy Coxe has led the Preservation Society of Newport County as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director since late 1998. Prior to assuming that position, she served as Massachusetts Secretary of Environmental Affairs for five years, Director of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for 2 years, and as Executive Director of Save The Bay for 11 years. Trudy sits on the boards of the Rhode Island Commodores, the Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting, and the Community College of Rhode Island. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Conservation Law Foundation/Rhode Island, is an Incorporator of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, BankNewport and the Newport Health Care Corporation. She has received honorary degrees from Roger Williams University, the University of Rhode Island, and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Trudy graduated from Beaver College (now Arcadia University). She lives in Cranston. Trudy joined the Board in 1999 and serves on the Nominating Committee and the Executive Committee.
James A. Diossa was elected Rhode Island General Treasurer in November 2022 and sworn in on January 3, 2023. Treasurer Diossa is committed to serving as a responsible and active steward, protecting the livelihoods of our current and future pensioners, and promoting economic growth by expanding opportunities for all Rhode Islanders through thoughtful, transparent, and equity-focused leadership.
Throughout his years in public service, Treasurer Diossa demonstrated his commitment to giving residents the tools and opportunities for creating sustainable wealth. This commitment continues by making information readily available - and easy to access - to current and future pensioners as well as the general public and providing assistance to municipal governments requiring pension-related guidance. In addition, he is a key champion for expanded financial literacy in our schools to further help individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency.
Raised and educated in Central Falls, Rhode Island, Treasurer Diossa served as a member of the City Council and Mayor of Central Falls, becoming the youngest mayor to date in our state’s long history. During his tenure as mayor, he helped Central Falls recover from the effects of bankruptcy and prior years of mismanagement. After completing two terms as mayor, he went on to serve as a Senior Advisor at Brown University’s Policy Lab. Treasurer Diossa is a graduate of Becker College. He lives in Pawtucket with his fiancée, Sandra Cano, their daughter, Arianna, and their newborn son, Alessandro.
David Easterbrooks has served as Pare Corporation’s Director of Marketing since 1998. Pare has been providing engineering, planning, and related services for more than 50 years and is one of the largest engineering firms based in Rhode Island. The firm works throughout the Eastern United States and specializes in transportation, educational facilities, public and institutional facilities, commercial and mixed-use developments, and all types of infrastructure improvements. David is a Certified Professional Services Marketer with more than 35 years of experience working for engineering and architectural firms. Earlier in his career he was an English teacher and a land surveyor/civil designer. As VP for Business Development and Director of Marketing at Pare, he is responsible for guiding the firm’s marketing planning, managing the firm’s marketing staff, coordinating the firm’s public outreach, and performing business development activities. In addition to serving on the board of Grow Smart RI, he is a Fellow with the Society for Marketing Professional Services and is an active member of SMPS, the Providence Foundation, and other local boards and professional organizations.
Mary Ettinger serves as Senior Vice President, Senior Business Lender for Bank Rhode Island. Ettinger is responsible for developing new commercial real estate relationships and arranging financial solutions for the construction, purchasing, and refinancing of investment real estate projects. She also manages a portfolio of established commercial real estate clients, working closely with developers, investors, and local businesses to meet their financial needs. In addition to her work at BankRI, Mary serves as a board member for Mystic Branch of the Ocean Community YMCA. Mary holds a B.A degree in Business Administration from Flagler College in Florida and resides in Mystic, Connecticut.
Eugenio Fernandez Jr. Is the founder of Asthenis, a public health organization with a pharmacy located in the affordable housing complex of Wiggin Village, near the low-income Providence neighborhood where he grew up. In July of 2018, Asthenis opened as the only pharmacy in the state of Rhode Island owned by a person of color. During the earlier stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Asthenis was one of the first organizations to provide access to COVID-19 rapid testing in Providence. In late 2020, Eugenio designed, led, and operated an innovative model for COVID-19 vaccination delivery. In partnership with city Mayors, Asthenis delivered COVID-19 vaccination clinics to our state’s hardest hit communities efficiently and safely. Eugenio attended Classical High School, completed his undergraduate studies as a quadruple degree major at the University of Rhode Island, and holds a graduate degree in public health from Harvard University.
Glenn Gardiner is a principal and founder of Northeast Collaborative Architects (NCA). The Newport-based firm provides architecture, master planning and sustainable design services. Their work encompasses new construction, renovations, restorations and adaptive reuse projects. The firm specializes in historic architecture and serves clients in the municipal, cultural, hospitality, education and residential sectors. Glenn himself has more than 30 years of experience and specializes in sustainable design for education, transportation, institutional and residential clients. He has designed over 15 learning environments in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts and developed master plans and multiple academic buildings for five school campuses. Recently he teamed with Providence Green Airport on their new Interlink transportation hub. Glenn is a past chairman of the Board of registration and examination of Architects for the State of Rhode Island, a member of the NCARB Exam Writing Committee for the A.R.E. Exam, and an Adjunct Professor of Architecture at Roger Williams University. Glenn earned a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Illinois and an M. Arch from Miami University. He lives in Newport. Glenn joined the Board in 2015.
Brian Goldberg is an architect and strategic advisor working primarily with social enterprises and non-profit organizations. From 2002-2017 he served in a number of roles at Rhode Island School of Design including Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Dean of Graduate Studies, and Senior Critic in the Department of Architecture. Before coming to RISD Goldberg taught in the Department of Modern Culture and Media at Brown University and was a Senior Research Analyst in their Scholarly Technology Group. Previously he co-founded and directed several non- and for-profit organizations, including the experimental media distribution company Drift Distribution and the interaction design company Avalanche Systems. His creative work includes films, video, photography, installation, and architecture. He has served on numerous non-profit governing and advisory boards involved with the arts, education, food systems, and public health. Goldberg holds a Master of Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design, a BA in Visual Art and Semiotics from Brown University, and was a student at the Whitney Museum of American Art Independent Study Program. He joined the Board in 2017.
Karen Grande is a partner at the law firm of Locke Lord LLP. For more than 30 years, Karen has served as bond counsel to cities and towns as well as to many state, regional and municipal agencies which finance public projects including school projects, health care and higher education facilities, public water supply and wastewater projects, recreational facilities and economic development projects. Karen has served as bond counsel on various redevelopment bonds and tax increment financings and has done a significant amount of legislative drafting. She has developed experience relating to finances of distressed communities, and served as counsel to the State in connection with the Chapter 9 Bankruptcy of the City of Central Falls. She has been a frequent speaker and writer on public finance subjects. Karen is a Regular Fellow of the American College of Bond Counsel and a Fellow of the Rhode Island Bar Foundation. She has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2015 Providence Public Finance “Lawyer of the Year.” She has also been listed in both The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Public Finance Law as well as a Rhode Island Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters. She has an AV (Preeminent) Rating from Martindale Hubbell. Karen also serves on the Boards of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School and the Greenwood Credit Union and has served as an Elder at the Greenwood Community Church, Presbyterian. Karen holds a JD from Suffolk University Law School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Music from Syracuse University where she studied voice. She has recently become a certified SCUBA diver.
William Hollinshead is a pediatrician, epidemiologist, and long time Medical Director/Chief of Family Health policy and programs in the Rhode Island Department of Health, retiring in 2008. He is an Assistant Professor in the Brown Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology. Dr. Hollinshead has talked and written on a variety of topics, including uses of public health information for policy leadership, impacts of local socio-environmental forces on children’s development, and building community opportunities for youth success. Dr. Hollinshead has been active in leadership of the Assocation of Maternal and Child Health Programs, the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality, the National Academy for State Health Policy, and other national organizations. Recently, he’s been President of the RI Chapter of the AAP and involved with RI Kids Count, Reach Out and Read, RI Healthy Mothers Health Babies Coalition, the RI Parent Information Network, Successful State, the Brown ReadyRI Initiative, and other local groups addressing children’s healthy development. Dr. Hollinshead has trained at Princeton, the University of Minnesota, Rochester, and Harvard. He currently resides in Rehoboth, and joined the Board in 2017.
Jason Kelly is the Executive Vice President/Chief Information Officer for Moran Shipping. Founded in Rhode Island, Moran is the largest independent steamship agency in the United States. Under his direction Moran Shipping has become a leader in the management of marine information systems. As Executive Vice President, Jason led the company’s decision to maintain and expand operations in Rhode Island and to rehabilitate the former Rhode Island Medical Society Building in Providence as Moran’s new corporate headquarters. A Historic Preservation Tax Credit project, the property is rehabbed to LEED standards and incorporates the first geothermal heating and cooling system in downtown Providence. In 2013, Governor Chafee appointed Jason to the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation Board. He also serves as a trustee of The Providence Foundation and on the Providence Harbor Commission. Prior to joining Moran, Jason lived in Puerto Rico, working for the Puerto Rican government in various positions related to investment promotion, international trade and finance. Jason graduated from the Boston College Carroll School of Management. He resides in Providence. Jason joined the Board in 2009 and sits on the Executive Committee and the Development Committee.
Kyle is a member of the firm’s Business & Corporate Law Group. His practice involves commercial finance, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial real estate transactions. His financial training and government experience allows him to navigate clients through multi-faceted transactions. Kyle brings experience in both the public and private financial sectors to his work. Prior to joining Adler Pollock & Sheehan, Kyle worked for a national leader in the college savings industry following his time serving as an investment associate within the Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer. He earned his Masters of Public Administration from Brown University in 2015, with a focus on economic development. Kyle is a proud graduate of the University of Rhode Island’s Talent Development program.
Gail McCann is a retired partner with the law firm Locke Lord LLP (successor to Edwards & Angell LLP) and was a lawyer in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She served as chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department and has particular knowledge in a wide variety of construction and project financing, including affordable housing, apartments, hotels, power retail centers, office and industrial space, and assisted living and other healthcare facilities. Her experience includes projects involving low income housing tax credits, historic tax credits and new markets tax credits. She also has extensive experience in commercial loans and loan restructurings, workouts, and foreclosures. Gail received her JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, received her undergraduate degree in American History from Brown University, and also attended the University of Edinburgh. She has served as a member of the Professional Advisory Council of the Rhode Island Foundation, is a Past President of the Brown University Alumni Association (and currently is President of her class) and has been on the Board of Directors of Caritas House, AAA Northeast and other community organizations. She lives in North Attleboro, MA. Gail joined the Board in 2012, currently serves on the Executive Committee and chairs the Governance Committee, has been the Board Secretary and the Vice-Chair and recently concluded a five year term as the Board Chair.
Marcus Mitchell is the owner and principal executive of Shere Strategy Enterprises, a boutique strategic solutions company. With more than 25 years of experience managing a diverse array of organizations, groups, projects and initiatives, he has expertise in a mediation, diversity training, conflict resolution, crisis management, community and economic development policy, and corporate strategy development. He previously served as an AARP Executive Council member and as President of Fellowship Farm, an historic international human relations training facility. He is the Founding President of Providence Community Library and once served as Director of Community & Economic Development with the United States Senate. Mitchell is author of the book, “Leadership Secrets: Right in the Heart”; co-author of more than 15 scientific research publications, a joint recipient of the Queen’s Award for Scientific Innovation; and is an editor of the book, “Biotechnology: Business, Regulation & Law.” He is also US Coast Guard AUX Division Commander.
Maureen Moakley is a Professor Emeritus of Political Science specializing in American Government, Rhode Island Politics and Media and Politics. She writes extensively on state politics; her books include The Political Life of the American States, Party Alignment and State Politics, and Rhode Island Politics and Government with Elmer Cornwell. Her current research focus is on the question of statehood for Puerto Rico. In addition to her academic work, she does regular political commentary on state politics on Rhode Island PBS and Rhode Island NPR.
Leslie Moore is a full-time urban missionary who moonlights as a social entrepreneur, real estate investor and non-profit consultant devoted to caring for and bringing hope to members of communities who experience significant challenge, oppression, poverty and isolation. Leslie worked for 16 years as a senior staff member at the Boston nonprofit College Bound Dorchester, helping to support its transition from a broadly focused network of community centers to one that focused solely on the most off track, gang and court involved young people. Leslie built the organization’s social and emotional department to support the non-academic needs of the young adults. Recognizing that a significant number of their constituents were homeless and without positive support networks, Leslie spearheaded a network of houses and individuals who support adults in transition which has now expanded from the Greater Boston area into Rhode Island. Known as “Traction,” it is a ministry of Central Square Church in Cambridge. Today, Leslie focuses her real estate investments in the Central Falls – Pawtucket area of Rhode Island where she works to develop an urban loop of family-friendly establishments built and operated by many who have found themselves on the margins of society.
Cristen L. Raucci joined RIHousing in 2014 and currently serves as Senior Counsel to the corporation. Her practice involves consumer financial products and services; privacy and information technology; real estate transactions; corporate governance and contracting; and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining RIHousing, Ms. Raucci worked as an Associate Attorney for Salter McGowan Sylvia & Leonard, Inc. in Providence, Rhode Island. She earned her J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law and her B.A. from Fairfield University. She is admitted to practice in the state and federal district courts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Nick Roach is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Bank of America Private Bank, where he began his career with the Bank of America Family Wealth Advisors (later incorporated into the US Trust Family Office) in New York City. In his 18 years Wealth Management experience, he has helped solve complex investment reporting needs for some of the largest client relationships across the country and has acted as a consultant for the enterprise’s brokerage platform. Nick formerly served on the Boards of NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, Riverzedge Arts, the Brown Club of Rhode Island, and various committees at Save The Bay. In addition, he served as the Chair of Community Development for the Rhode Island Bank of America Community Volunteers. Nick is graduate of Brown University with a BA in business economics. He is also a CFP® certificant, CFA charterholder, and holds a MBA from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. He lives in Providence and enjoys travelling, cycling, and tennis. Nick joined the Board in 2022.
Justin Savage is the Founder and CEO of EveryBill. EveryBill provides enterprise-class web-based applications and payment-collection platforms to businesses that collect, process, and settle electronic payments and deposits through automatic and manual means. Justin founded EveryBill upon graduating from college and grew the company to its present size by delivering a high level of service and a technically superior product. Justin is a graduate of the 2016 Leadership RI Class. He graduated from the University of Chicago with a B.A. in Sociology.
Julia Anne leads Washington Trust’s Commercial Real Estate Group, whose team focus is developing commercial real estate loan business. She is responsible for a large commercial portfolio and a team of seven lending officers. Julia Anne joined the Bank in 1994 and has extensive experience in real estate and commercial lending and banking. Julia Anne serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State. She is the Finance Committee Chairman of Christ the King Parish and a member of Parish Council. Additionally, she is an alumni class officer for Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut, and is a member of the advisory board of LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) and its related credit committee. Julia Anne received a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Connecticut College, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Rhode Island. She is a member of The Providence Foundation, REFA (Real Estate Finance Association) and is a member of their board of directors. Her other affiliations include NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Properties), and the Risk Management Association (RMA). She is a 2004 graduate of Leadership RI. Julia Anne joined the Board in 2011. She lives in Charlestown.
George Watson is Counsel with the law firm Robinson & Cole. He is a member of the firm’s Environmental + Utilities Group, where his practice is focused on siting and permitting energy, utility, and other infrastructure projects. His work regularly involves the range and intersect of environmental, real estate, and land use concerns. His practice also includes the negotiation of environmental land use restrictions, representing clients in the acquisition, development, and disposition of commercial real property, and telecommunication facility siting and leasing matters. He earned his JD from Northeastern University School of Law and a B.A in Sociology and Political Science form Williams College. George joined the Grow Smart RI Board in 2016.
Nancy Parker Wilson has been General Manager of Greenvale Vineyards since she, her husband William, and parents started the winery operation in 1992. The original 52 acre Greenvale Farm has been in Nancy’s family since 1863 and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The restored stable turned tasting room has about 15,000 visitors per year after restoration 18 years ago. Previously, Nancy has served as Director of Public Information for the Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo, both in the Boston area. Nancy started her own community relations company which included clients like the Boston GreenSpace Alliance. Nancy is currently on the RI State Conservation Committee, Board of the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation Committee, and the Portsmouth Agricultural Committee. She is also on the boards of Discover Newport, the Portsmouth Free Library, and the Portsmouth Arts Guild, and serves as Secretary for the Newport Historical Society. Nancy graduated from Wesleyan University and joined the GrowSmart RI Board in 2017.
Directors Emeritus
Arnold B. Chace, Director Emeritus
Buff Chace is the Managing General Partner of Cornish Associates, the eight buildings that make up the Westminster Street Lofts and Mashpee Commons, L.P. He has 33 years experience as an investor, financial advisor, urban planner and real estate developer. Buff is currently a board member emeritus of Trinity Repertory Theatre, an officer and member of the Executive Committee of the Providence Foundation, and an inaugural member of the Congress of New Urbanism. Buff resides in Providence. A founding member of the Board, Buff served from 1998 to 2006.
Gilbert “Gib” Conover, Jr., Director Emeritus
An electrical engineer, inventor and entrepreneur, Gib Conover has devoted his career to the development of startup companies dedicated to the design, manufacture and distribution of medical, industrial, and consumer electronics products. He currently serves as President and COO of Ultradian Diagnostics, an early stage medical device company whose mission is the development of advanced, continuous, wireless biosensors for on-patient monitoring and management of chronic illnesses. For more than 20 years, as co-founder and later President of Goldline Controls, Inc. (originally Independent Energy, Inc.), Gib led the company from initial product concept through design, development and marketing of electronic controls for the solar energy and swimming pool markets. The company’s products eliminated the need for chlorination chemicals and constant maintenance, through the use of a breakthrough technology that generated chlorine from small amounts of salt in pool water. In 2004, Goldline was acquired by Hayward Pool Products, and Gib continued to manage the operation until 2006. Gib has also been a partner and investor in companies that developed desktop blood analyzers for use in physicians’ offices and targeted coupon dispensing kiosks at retail locations. Gib is a graduate of Brown University with a BS in electrical engineering. He lives in Providence and now focuses his time and energies on angel investing, philanthropy, and cycling. Gib joined the Board in 2011.
Louise Durfee, Esq., Director Emeritus
Louise Durfee is a trail-blazing lawyer and an early champion of legal protections for Rhode Island’s environment. Over her five decades in the law, Louise also served as a partner in the law firm of Tillinghast, Collins & Graham and later with the law firm of Brown, Rudnick LLP. She was the first woman ever appointed to Rhode Island’s Board of Bar Examiners, and served on the state’s Committee on the Treatment of Women in the Courts. A past president of Save the Bay and first general counsel of the Narragansett Bay Commission, Louise was Rhode Island’s Director of the Department of Environmental Management from 1991 to 1994. A founding member of the Board, Louise served from 1998 to 2004.
Wilfrid L. Gates, Jr., Director Emeritus
Wil Gates is Chairman Emeritus of Gates, Leighton & Associates, Inc, a subsidiary of BETA Group, an engineering, landscape architecture and consulting firm located in Lincoln, RI. A Landscape Architect for forty-two years, Wil worked for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation prior to forming his own office in 1972. He was Founding President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Wil is a Commissioner of the Providence Capital Center Commission and Chairman of its Design Review Committee. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Highland Memorial Park, a private cemetery located in Johnston, Rhode Island, and a former incorporator of The Providence Foundation. A past president of the environmental Council of Rhode Island, he was also President of CLEAN RHODE ISLAND and of Save the Bay, Inc. He was a long-time member of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee to the Solid Waste Management Corporation. He served as an East Providence City Councilman-at-large and is past Chairman of the Boards of the East Providence Chamber of Commerce and the East Providence Public Libraries. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, Wil is Past-President of the RISD Alumni Association. He resides in North Kingstown. Wil joined the Board in 2009 and sits on the Public Transportation Subcommittee.
Michael S. Hudner, Director Emeritus
Michael S. Hudner is a co-founder and has been CEO of the B & H Shipping Group since 1978. The Group has been involved in a myriad of shipowning and operating projects involving over 130 vessels. These have included offshore support vessels, dry bulk carriers, crude oil carriers, refined petroleum product carriers, and combination carriers (oil and dry bulk). He has been involved extensively in the financing activities of these projects, including the creation of three public shipowning companies, as well as in their investment activities and shipping operations. Michael is a member of the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council, a Trustee of Mystic Seaport Museum, the Council of American Bureau of Shipping, and is a member of the New York Bar Association. He lives in Little Compton and was on the Board from 2003 to 2009.
Stanley J. Kanter, Director Emeritus
Michael F. Ryan, Director Emeritus
Emeritus Michael F. Ryan is Vice President of Government Affairs for National Grid in Rhode Island. Mike joined the former Narragansett Electric Company in 1994. Prior to that, he served for eight years as the Rhode Island Director of the offices of United States Senator John H. Chafee. Mike spent almost ten years in the executive branch of Rhode Island state government – first as a Legislative Assistant to the Lieutenant Governor and later as Special Assistant and Press Secretary to Governor J. Joseph Garrahy. Mike served as a member of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education from 1997 to 2011; was appointed vice chairman in 2003 and served until 2011. He is a member of the Rhode Island Commodores Board of Governors. Mike serves as chairman of Boy’s Town New England. He was appointed by Governor Lincoln Chafee to sit as a member of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. He is the former chairman of Grow Smart Rhode Island and has served or does serve on the boards of several organizations including the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Navigant Credit Union, Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, Urban Collaborative and The Providence Journal Summertime Fund. Mike is also a member of the Providence College President’s Council and the Junior Achievement CEO Council. Mike is a 1974 graduate of Rhode Island College, a 1993 graduate of Leadership Rhode Island and was named to the Rhode Island College Alumni Honor Roll. In 2006, he was the recipient of the Alumni Service Award from Rhode Island College and in 2008, received an Honorary Degree – Doctorate of Humane Letters from the New England Institute of Technology. He resides in Little Compton. Mike served on the Board from 2001 to 2007 and was Chairman of the Board from 2002 to 2006.
Lucie G. Searle, Director Emeritus
Lucie Searle specialized in the re-development of historic properties and for the past 25 years has focused most of her efforts on downtown Providence. Through her work with AS220, a non-profit community arts organization and also the Providence Preservation Society, Lucie has been responsible for the adaptive re-use of several high profile downtown buildings. The Chair of the Providence Preservation Society’s Board of Directors, Lucie also serves on the boards of Farm Fresh Rhode Island and the Providence Revolving Fund. She received her B.A. from the University of Rhode Island and her M.A. from Tufts University. Born and raised on her family’s farm in Exeter, Lucie now resides in Providence. Lucie joined the Grow Smart Board in 2008. Most recently she participated in the Grow Smart led initiative to re-instate the State Historic Tax Credit program; and she also served on the 2013 Grow Smart Awards committee.
Deming E. Sherman, Esq., Director Emeritus
Deming Sherman is a partner at the law firm Locke Lord, LLP and has been with the firm for more than 45 years. He has extensive experience litigating business and environmental cases. Active in the arts and cultural community, Deming serves on the boards of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, First Works and the Providence Athenaeum. He is also active in several conservation organizations. He is Chairman of the Capital Center Commission. Deming received his B.A. from Amherst College and his J.D. from University of Chicago Law School. He resides in Providence. Deming served on the Board from 1998 as a founding member until 2013 and served as Chairman of the Board from 2006-2009.
Martha L. Werenfels, Director Emeritus
Martha Werenfels, AIA, LEED AP, is a principal at Durkee, Brown, Viveiros & Werenfels Architects, a 24-person firm in Providence, RI. Martha has extensive experience in a wide range of historic preservation projects, including restoration of national historic landmarks, rehabilitation of various building types, and compilation of preservation feasibility studies. She has been the principal architect for multi-phased restoration projects at the Rhode Island State House, the Newport Casino, the Cranston Street Armory and the Tabernacle on Martha’s Vineyard. Martha is a past president of AIA/Rhode Island and an advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She also serves on the boards of the Historic Preservation Education Foundation, the Providence Preservation Society and the William Hall Free Library. Prior to joining DBVW, Martha worked for the National Park Service in Washington, DC, and served as the State Historical Architect for the RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University and a Master’s Degree in History from Brown University. Martha joined the Board in 2011. She lives in Cranston with her husband and two sons.
Grow Smart RI’s Mission Statement
To lead and engage Rhode Islanders in advancing neighborhood revitalization, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity for all.
Our Office
144 Westminster Street, Suite 303
Providence, RI 02903