MEET OUR TEAM
Board of Commissioners
RIHousing is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners. RIHousing’s Board provides overall policy direction in governing business activities, as well as providing oversight, strong fiscal management and setting long-term goals for meeting Rhode Island’s housing needs. The Board’s commitment of time and energy contributes to an improved quality of life for thousands of Rhode Islanders.
Vice Chairman
James Thorsen
Director, Rhode Island Department of Administration (ex officio)
James A. Diossa
General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island (ex officio)
Elizabeth Dwyer
Interim Director of Business Regulation (ex officio)
Appointment Pending
Stephen McAllister
Vice President, Eastern Region US Chamber of Commerce
Kevin Orth
Manager, Atlantic American Partners
Maria Barry
Community Development Banking National Executive, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
RIHousing Leadership Team
Executive Director
Carol Ventura
Carol Ventura was named Executive Director of RIHousing in September 2019. She has 30 years of experience in expanding access to housing, building livable communities and leading economic development efforts.
Learn more about our Executive Director
Carol led the finance group to successfully initiate and complete more than $284M in multi and single-family bonding with social and sustainable designations for the agency and led the agency 5-year strategic plan process, resulting in the creation of innovative programs targeted at controlling costs, increasing production and access, and improving agency and program performance.
Carol is a part of the LISC LAC Board, Commissioner for the Housing Resources Commission (HRC) and she serves on the NCSHA Homeownership Task Force, as well as a Trustee on the Providence Foundation Board. Carol received a Master of Business Administration from Bryant University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Bryant College.
Deputy Executive Director
James Comer
Chief Operating Officer
Lisa Primiano
Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer
Christine Hunsinger
Chief Financial Officer
Kara Lachapelle
General Counsel
Corinne Myers
Director of Homeownership
Peter Pagonis
Director of Real
Estate Development
Anne Berman
Director of Leased Housing
& Rental Services
Michael DiChiaro
Director of Gov. Relations & Policy
Amy Rainone
Director of Information Technology
Carl “CJ” Rotella
Director of Human Resources
Melanie Cluley
Assistant Deputy Director
of Loan Servicing
Leslie McKnight
JOIN OUR TEAM!
As a leading employer in our state, RIHousing offers a highly competitive compensation and employee benefits package designed to support the health, wellness and financial security of our employees and their families.
