City of Providence, RI Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

City of Providence, RI has 8 executives leading key functions including operations, finance, human resources, and city council leadership.

Driven by a commitment to public service, City of Providence, RI focuses on enhancing the quality of life for its residents through efficient governance and strategic urban development, solidifying its position as a vital hub in 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
  • Chief of Staff - Emily Crowell
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Matthew Shumate
  • Manager of Executive Operations and Assistant To the Chief of Staff - Olinda Mendez
  • Senior Deputy Chief of Staff - Yvonne Graf
  • Chief Human Resource Officer - Paul Winspeare
  • Lawrence Mancini - Chief Financial Officer

    Lawrence Mancini, the Chief Financial Officer at City of Providence, RI, directs the fiscal health and financial strategy of the capital city. Mancini oversees the city's budget, financial planning, and revenue generation, ensuring responsible management of public funds for its 179,154 residents. This executive function involves developing financial policies, managing debt, and securing funding for essential city services and infrastructure projects across Providence's 20.5 square miles. By maintaining fiscal discipline and transparency, Lawrence Mancini supports the city's long-term economic stability and its capacity for growth. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership is crucial for navigating complex financial landscapes and ensuring the city's financial resilience, directly contributing to its ability to fund critical public services and development initiatives.

    Courtney Hawkins - Chief Operating Officer

    Courtney Hawkins, the Chief Operating Officer at City of Providence, RI, architects the city's operational framework, ensuring the efficient delivery of public services to its 179,154 residents. Hawkins oversees the day-to-day management of municipal departments, focusing on optimizing resource allocation and enhancing service delivery across Providence's 20.5 square miles. This critical role involves driving operational improvements and implementing best practices to support the city's growth and development objectives. By ensuring departmental synergy and operational excellence, Courtney Hawkins directly impacts the city's ability to meet resident needs and advance its strategic goals. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include streamlining processes, managing infrastructure projects, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, all contributing to the robust functioning of the municipal government.

    Sabina Matos - City Council President

    Sabina Matos, the City Council President at City of Providence, RI, presides over the legislative branch of city government, representing the interests of its 179,154 residents. Matos leads the City Council in its role of enacting ordinances, approving the city budget, and providing oversight of municipal operations across Providence's 20.5 square miles. This position involves fostering collaboration between the council and the executive branch, ensuring responsive and effective governance. By guiding legislative priorities and championing community needs, Sabina Matos plays a pivotal role in shaping city policy and direction. The City Council President's leadership is essential for democratic accountability and the advancement of public welfare within the city.

    Emily Crowell - Chief of Staff

    Emily Crowell, the Chief of Staff at City of Providence, RI, directs the strategic alignment of city-wide initiatives and operational efficiency. Overseeing key administrative functions, Crowell ensures the mayor's agenda translates into actionable policy and effective service delivery across all municipal departments. This leadership role involves coordinating interdepartmental efforts to address the complex needs of Providence's 179,154 residents, focusing on enhancing urban development and public services. By managing critical projects and advising on policy matters, Emily Crowell drives the city's progress and operational effectiveness. The Chief of Staff's purview extends to fostering strong relationships with community stakeholders and ensuring seamless communication between the executive office and city agencies, thereby supporting the city's mission of responsive governance and community well-being.

    Matthew Shumate - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Matthew Shumate, the Deputy Chief of Staff at City of Providence, RI, supports the Chief of Staff in executing strategic initiatives and managing city operations. Shumate assists in coordinating departmental efforts and implementing policies designed to enhance public services for Providence's 179,154 residents. This role involves detailed project management and operational support, ensuring that the executive team's directives are effectively carried out across the city's 20.5 square miles. By facilitating communication and driving project completion, Matthew Shumate contributes significantly to the efficiency of the city administration. The Deputy Chief of Staff's responsibilities include analyzing operational data, developing reports, and supporting the strategic planning process, all vital for the effective governance 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, provides critical operational support to the Chief of Staff and the executive leadership team. Mendez manages the administrative functions essential for the smooth operation of the Mayor's office and key city initiatives, serving the 179,154 residents of Providence. This position involves coordinating schedules, managing communications, and ensuring the efficient workflow of executive-level tasks across the city's 20.5 square miles. By maintaining organizational efficiency and supporting strategic planning, Olinda Mendez plays a vital role in the effective functioning of the city government. The Manager of Executive Operations' dedication to detail and operational excellence ensures that the executive team can focus on high-level decision-making and policy implementation.

    Yvonne Graf - Senior Deputy Chief of Staff

    Yvonne Graf, the Senior Deputy Chief of Staff at City of Providence, RI, provides advanced strategic support and operational oversight to the Chief of Staff. Graf leads critical projects and initiatives aimed at improving city services and resident engagement for Providence's 179,154 inhabitants. This executive position involves complex problem-solving and policy development, ensuring alignment with the city's overarching goals across its 20.5 square miles. By driving key departmental collaborations and managing high-priority assignments, Yvonne Graf enhances the executive team's capacity to govern effectively. The Senior Deputy Chief of Staff's expertise in policy analysis and project management is instrumental in advancing the city's agenda and ensuring operational success.

    Paul Winspeare - Chief Human Resource Officer

    Paul Winspeare, the Chief Human Resource Officer at City of Providence, RI, directs the comprehensive human capital strategy for the city's workforce, supporting its 179,154 residents. Winspeare oversees all aspects of personnel management, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, ensuring a skilled and motivated municipal team across Providence's 20.5 square miles. This leadership role is vital for fostering a positive and productive work environment, essential for delivering effective public services. By developing and implementing robust HR policies, Paul Winspeare ensures compliance, promotes professional development, and supports the city's mission of efficient governance. The Chief Human Resource Officer's strategic approach to talent management is fundamental to the city's operational capacity and long-term success.

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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 8 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, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff.