City of Providence, RI Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

City of Providence, RI has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, and council leadership.

Driven by a commitment to civic progress, City of Providence, RI focuses on enhancing urban living through strategic governance and operational excellence, impacting a metropolitan population exceeding 1.6 million.

Leadership Roles at City of Providence, RI

  • Chief Financial Officer - Lawrence Mancini
  • Chief Operating Officer - Courtney Hawkins
  • President - Diane Caracciolo
  • City Council President - Sabina Matos
  • Chief of Staff - Emily Crowell
  • Manager of Executive Operations and Assistant To the Chief of Staff - Olinda Mendez
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Matthew Shumate
  • 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 city's fiscal operations and financial planning. Overseeing budget development, financial reporting, and investment strategies, Mancini ensures the fiscal health and stability of the municipality. This critical role involves managing public funds responsibly and identifying opportunities for financial optimization. By implementing sound financial management practices, Lawrence Mancini safeguards the city's assets and supports its long-term economic viability. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to advising on fiscal policy and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations, directly impacting the city's capacity for growth and service provision.

    Courtney Hawkins - Chief Operating Officer

    Courtney Hawkins, the Chief Operating Officer at City of Providence, RI, manages the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the city government. Overseeing a broad spectrum of municipal services, Hawkins ensures efficient resource allocation and the effective delivery of public services to residents. This role involves optimizing departmental performance and implementing operational strategies that align with the city's long-term objectives. By focusing on process improvement and operational excellence, Courtney Hawkins drives efficiency across all city agencies. The Chief Operating Officer's purview includes enhancing service delivery mechanisms and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, directly contributing to the city's functional integrity and resident satisfaction.

    Diane Caracciolo - President

    Diane Caracciolo, the President at City of Providence, RI, leads the strategic direction and governance of the city's legislative body. Overseeing council operations and legislative priorities, Caracciolo ensures effective policy-making and civic representation. This role involves fostering collaboration among council members and engaging with community stakeholders to address urban challenges. By championing key initiatives, Diane Caracciolo drives progress on critical city issues. The President's responsibilities include guiding council deliberations and ensuring the efficient functioning of the legislative branch, directly impacting the city's governance framework and public policy outcomes.

    Sabina Matos - City Council President

    Sabina Matos, the City Council President at City of Providence, RI, presides over the city's legislative council, guiding policy discussions and civic engagement. Overseeing council meetings and legislative agendas, Matos ensures effective governance and representation for Providence residents. This leadership position involves fostering consensus among council members and advocating for community needs. By directing legislative efforts, Sabina Matos contributes to the development of impactful city ordinances and programs. The City Council President's role is fundamental to the city's democratic processes and the advancement of public service initiatives, directly shaping the city's future.

    Emily Crowell - Chief of Staff

    Emily Crowell, the Chief of Staff at City of Providence, RI, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across city departments. Overseeing critical projects, Emily Crowell ensures the effective execution of mayoral priorities and facilitates interdepartmental collaboration to advance the city's mission. This leadership role involves managing key administrative functions and supporting the development of policy frameworks that enhance urban living. By coordinating with various stakeholders, Crowell drives efficiency in city operations and supports the strategic vision for Providence. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include advising on critical decisions and ensuring the smooth functioning of the executive office, directly impacting the city's governance and service delivery.

    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 essential support to the Chief of Staff and oversees critical executive operational functions. Managing administrative workflows and coordinating key initiatives, Mendez ensures the seamless operation of the executive office. This position involves facilitating communication and logistical support for high-level decision-making processes. By streamlining operational procedures, Olinda Mendez enhances the efficiency of executive-level activities. The Manager of Executive Operations' role is vital in supporting strategic planning and ensuring the effective implementation of city-wide programs, directly contributing to the executive team's productivity.

    Matthew Shumate - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Matthew Shumate, the Deputy Chief of Staff at City of Providence, RI, supports the Chief of Staff in driving strategic initiatives and managing key city operations. Overseeing specific projects and departmental coordination, Shumate ensures the effective implementation of mayoral directives. This role involves analyzing operational data and developing strategies to enhance city services. By assisting in policy development and execution, Matthew Shumate contributes to the city's progress and administrative efficiency. The Deputy Chief of Staff's responsibilities include fostering collaboration among departments and ensuring alignment with the city's overarching goals, directly impacting the effectiveness of the executive leadership.

    Yvonne Graf - Senior Deputy Chief of Staff

    Yvonne Graf, the Senior Deputy Chief of Staff at City of Providence, RI, plays a pivotal role in advancing the city's strategic agenda and overseeing complex operational projects. Directing cross-departmental efforts and advising on policy implementation, Graf ensures that city initiatives meet their objectives. This leadership position involves managing critical stakeholder relationships and driving forward key urban development programs. By providing strategic guidance and operational oversight, Yvonne Graf enhances the city's capacity to address resident needs. The Senior Deputy Chief of Staff's contributions are essential for the successful execution of the administration's vision and the overall improvement of municipal services.

    Paul Winspeare - Chief Human Resource Officer

    Paul Winspeare, the Chief Human Resource Officer at City of Providence, RI, directs the city's comprehensive human capital management strategies. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and labor relations, Winspeare ensures a skilled and motivated municipal workforce. This role is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work environment that supports the city's service delivery goals. By implementing innovative HR policies, Paul Winspeare enhances employee engagement and retention. The Chief Human Resource Officer's responsibilities include managing compensation and benefits, ensuring compliance with employment law, and supporting organizational development, directly contributing to the city's operational effectiveness.

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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 Diane Caracciolo (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), Diane Caracciolo (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, President, City Council President, Chief of Staff.