Providence Public Library (PPL) held its 2019 Annual Meeting on March 20, announcing and installing a new slate of officers, incoming trustees and PPL Corporation members. In formal proceedings, the Library announced its 2019 officers of the Board as: Robert W. Edwards, Jr, Chair; Maria J.R. Goncalves, Vice Chair; Micah E. Salkind, Secretary; Christopher Stevens, Treasurer.
In addition, the Library announced five new PPL Corporation members and six new or returning members of the PPL Board of Trustees. New PPL Trustees include the following:
A 2018 PPL Corporator, Christopher Stevens, of Easton, Mass.
Christopher joins the board this year as Treasurer. Christopher joined Chase in September 2014 supporting the Commercial Bank’s Middle Market effort in New England. He is currently a Commercial Banker on the team, focused on developing new relationships in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In his role as PPL’s Treasurer, he will chair the Library’s Finance Committee.
PPL Corporator Frank Eyetsemitan, of Lincoln
Frank is a Professor of Psychology at Roger Williams University, where he previously served as Associate Dean for the Social Science Division of the College of Arts & Sciences. Frank has been a PPL Corporator and will serve on PPL’s Ad-hoc Education Committee.
Andrew Cortes, of Providence
In 2007, Andrew L. Cortés founded Building Futures with a mission to meet employer and industry needs for skilled workers through registered apprenticeship, while creating family-sustaining career opportunities for low-income Rhode Island residents. An active part of the community, he has served non-profit boards, issue-based taskforces and social justice efforts. Andrew is now a PPL Corporator and Trustee and will join PPL’s Strategic Planning Committee.
Jane O’Farrell, of Providence
Jane’s career is in social work. She received her bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from RIC. She retired from private practice as an Independent Clinical Social worker in 2016. Jane was recently sworn in as a court-appointed special advocate for children in the care of DCYF. Jane is now a PPL Corporator and Trustee and will serve on PPL’s Development and Strategic Planning Committees.
Sally Strachan, of Providence
Sally is experienced in what she called the Power of Possible. She works with organizations and people to stretch and develop highly efficient game-changing approaches to critical issues. Sally serves as chair of the RI State House Restoration Society and is a board member of the Newport Music Festival and First Works. Sally is now a PPL Corporator and Trustee and a member of PPL’s Capital Campaign and Facilities Committees.
Julius Kolawole, of Providence (Re-Elected)
Julius has been a member of the Corporation and a PPL Trustee since 2003. He has served as Secretary of the Board and has been on numerous committees during his tenure. Julius is being re-elected to the Board this year and will continue to serve on the Facilities Committee.
New corporation members include:
Billy Kepner, of Providence
Billy is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications for the Providence City Council. He is a graduate of Mansfield University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Mass Communications. Billy moved to Providence with his husband in 2017. He has volunteered with the Providence Preservation Society and the Social Enterprise Greenhouse. Billy will join PPL’s Development/Planned Giving Committee.
Patricia Thompson, of North Kingstown
Considered by many authorities as one of the foremost tax experts in the state, Pat has been with Piccerelli, Gilstein & Company, LLP since 1978 and is the firm’s tax partner. Pat graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. She continued her education at Bryant College where she received a Master of Science in Taxation degree in 1986. Pat is a Personal Financial Specialist and has won numerous awards and accolades for her work. Pat formerly served on the Library’s Planned Giving and Finance Committees and will come back to serve on the Finance Committee.
PPL announced the induction of following Trustee Emeritus positions:
Bob and Pam Faulkner, of Barrington
Bob Faulkner joined the PPL Corporation in 1985 and was appointed as a Trustee that same year. Pam Faulkner joined the PPL Corporation in 1994. She was appointed a Trustee in 2006. Both Bob and Pam have served on numerous committees throughout their history with PPL. They have been both Library supporters and champions and, as PPL Conservator Society members, have introduced numerous donors and friends to the Library.