City of Providence, RI Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

City of Providence, RI has 9 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, operational management, and executive administration.

Committed to fostering civic growth and regional stability, City of Providence, RI maintains a mission centered on transparent governance, sustainable urban development, and the delivery of essential public services to the diverse population of the New England region.

Leadership Roles at City of Providence, RI

  • Chief Financial Officer - Lawrence Mancini
  • Chief Operating Officer - Courtney Hawkins
  • City Council President - Sabina Matos
  • President - Diane Caracciolo
  • Chief of Staff - Emily Crowell
  • Senior Deputy Chief of Staff - Yvonne Graf
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Matthew Shumate
  • Manager of Executive Operations and Assistant To the Chief of Staff - Olinda Mendez
  • Chief Human Resource Officer - Paul Winspeare
  • Lawrence Mancini - Chief Financial Officer

    Lawrence Mancini, the Chief Financial Officer at City of Providence, RI, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary allocations for the municipality. Overseeing the comprehensive financial health of the city, the Chief Financial Officer manages tax revenue streams, capital improvement funding, and long-term debt obligations. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the Mayor and the City Council to ensure fiscal responsibility across all departments. By implementing rigorous auditing standards and transparent reporting mechanisms, Mancini secures the economic stability of the capital city. The Chief Financial Officer also monitors regional economic trends within the Narragansett Bay area to adjust financial strategies accordingly. Through precise management of municipal assets and public funds, Lawrence Mancini maintains the integrity of the city budget, supporting essential infrastructure projects and public services that benefit the entire metropolitan population.

    Courtney Hawkins - Chief Operating Officer

    Courtney Hawkins, the Chief Operating Officer at City of Providence, RI, manages the delivery of core public services and the maintenance of municipal infrastructure. Overseeing the operational performance of departments such as public works, sanitation, and emergency services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that city systems function reliably for all residents. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to improve service delivery speed and quality across the 20.5 square mile jurisdiction. By implementing data-driven performance metrics, Hawkins identifies areas for operational improvement and cost reduction. The Chief Operating Officer also coordinates with regional partners to manage environmental and utility challenges at the head of Narragansett Bay. Through the rigorous application of management best practices, Courtney Hawkins drives the operational excellence required to sustain a historic capital city, ensuring that daily city functions support the overall well-being of the community.

    Sabina Matos - City Council President

    Sabina Matos, the City Council President at City of Providence, RI, leads the legislative body responsible for enacting ordinances and approving the municipal budget. Overseeing the legislative process, the City Council President facilitates debate among council members to ensure that diverse community perspectives inform city policy. This role involves setting the council agenda, managing committee assignments, and negotiating with the executive branch to achieve consensus on critical urban issues. By fostering a collaborative legislative environment, Matos drives the passage of laws that promote economic development and public safety. The City Council President also represents the legislative interests of the city in regional and state-level discussions. Through the effective leadership of the council, Sabina Matos ensures that the legislative branch provides the necessary oversight and policy framework to support the long-term prosperity of the city and its residents.

    Diane Caracciolo - President

    Diane Caracciolo, the President at City of Providence, RI, directs the strategic governance of specific municipal boards or organizational entities within the city structure. Overseeing the board's mission and policy adherence, the President ensures that all actions align with the city's broader objectives for public service and community development. This role involves presiding over meetings, guiding strategic planning sessions, and ensuring that board decisions reflect the best interests of the public. By maintaining high standards of governance, Caracciolo supports the effective functioning of the city's administrative infrastructure. The President also coordinates with other city leaders to ensure that board activities complement the work of the executive and legislative branches. Through the diligent oversight of board operations, Diane Caracciolo contributes to the overall stability and progress of the city, ensuring that institutional goals are met with transparency and accountability.

    Emily Crowell - Chief of Staff

    Emily Crowell, the Chief of Staff at City of Providence, RI, coordinates the daily operations of the executive office and aligns departmental goals with the broader municipal agenda. Managing the flow of information between the Mayor and various city agencies, the Chief of Staff ensures that policy initiatives receive proper execution. This role involves facilitating high-level meetings, managing internal communications, and resolving complex administrative challenges that arise within the city government. By streamlining workflows and fostering inter-departmental collaboration, Crowell drives efficiency across the organization. The Chief of Staff also represents the executive branch in regional forums, ensuring that the city maintains a strong presence within the Greater Boston commuting area. Through strategic oversight of executive priorities, Emily Crowell enables the city to address the evolving needs of the 179,154 residents while maintaining a focus on long-term urban development goals.

    Yvonne Graf - Senior Deputy Chief of Staff

    Yvonne Graf, the Senior Deputy Chief of Staff at City of Providence, RI, supports the executive office by managing complex policy projects and inter-agency initiatives. Overseeing the implementation of strategic directives, the Senior Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that city programs align with the overarching vision of the administration. This role involves drafting policy briefs, coordinating with external stakeholders, and managing high-priority tasks that require cross-functional cooperation. By providing analytical support and operational guidance, Graf assists the Chief of Staff in maintaining organizational momentum. The Senior Deputy Chief of Staff also monitors legislative developments that impact the city, ensuring that the executive team remains prepared for regional policy shifts. Through diligent management of executive projects, Yvonne Graf contributes to the effective governance of the city, ensuring that administrative goals translate into tangible improvements for the residents of the capital.

    Matthew Shumate - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Matthew Shumate, the Deputy Chief of Staff at City of Providence, RI, manages specific administrative portfolios and facilitates communication between the executive office and city departments. Overseeing the scheduling and logistical coordination of mayoral initiatives, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that executive priorities receive adequate attention and resources. This role involves preparing briefing materials, managing public inquiries, and assisting in the resolution of operational bottlenecks. By maintaining clear lines of communication, Shumate supports the broader leadership team in executing the city's strategic plan. The Deputy Chief of Staff also engages with community leaders to gather feedback on municipal services, ensuring that the executive office remains responsive to the needs of the population. Through the careful management of daily administrative tasks, Matthew Shumate enables the executive team to focus on long-term policy goals and the continued growth of the city.

    Olinda Mendez - Manager of Executive Operations and Assistant To the Chief of Staff

    Olinda Mendez, the Manager of Executive Operations and Assistant To the Chief of Staff at City of Providence, RI, directs the administrative functions of the executive office. Overseeing the daily operations of the office, the Manager of Executive Operations and Assistant To the Chief of Staff ensures that all logistical requirements for the executive team are met with precision. This role involves managing correspondence, coordinating calendars, and facilitating the flow of documentation between departments. By maintaining an organized office environment, Mendez allows the executive leadership to focus on high-level decision-making and policy development. The Manager of Executive Operations and Assistant To the Chief of Staff also serves as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that inquiries receive timely responses. Through the efficient management of executive support systems, Olinda Mendez ensures that the city government operates with the necessary administrative rigor.

    Paul Winspeare - Chief Human Resource Officer

    Paul Winspeare, the Chief Human Resource Officer at City of Providence, RI, directs the talent management and workforce development strategies for the municipal government. Overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and benefits administration, the Chief Human Resource Officer ensures that the city attracts and retains a skilled workforce capable of delivering essential public services. This role involves developing training programs, managing labor negotiations, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. By implementing modern HR policies, Winspeare improves organizational efficiency and employee engagement across all city departments. The Chief Human Resource Officer also monitors workforce trends to ensure that the city remains competitive in the regional labor market. Through the strategic management of human capital, Paul Winspeare supports the city's mission by ensuring that the workforce is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the population and maintain the high standards of public service expected in the capital.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding City of Providence, RI Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads City of Providence, RI?
    City of Providence, RI is led by Lawrence Mancini (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Courtney Hawkins (Chief Operating Officer) and Sabina Matos (City Council President).
    Who is part of City of Providence, RI’s executive team?
    The executive team of City of Providence, RI includes leaders such as Lawrence Mancini (Chief Financial Officer), Courtney Hawkins (Chief Operating Officer), Sabina Matos (City Council President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does City of Providence, RI have?
    City of Providence, RI has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in City of Providence, RI’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of City of Providence, RI includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, City Council President, President, Chief of Staff.