R.I. League of Cities and Towns names new executive director

The Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns holds a press conference with municipal leaders at the Rhode Island State House Library to support reforms to the state's Law Enforcement Officer Bill of Rights and encourage lawmakers to carefully consider the impact of unfunded mandates – like injured-on-duty benefits – on municipal taxpayers. ( Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns Facebook page)

Smithfield’s loss is a gain for the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns.

The league on Monday named longtime Smithfield administrator Randy Rossi as its next executive director. Rossi will succeed outgoing leader Ernie Almonte, who is set to retire on Dec. 31.

Rossi brings more than 20 years of municipal experience to the statewide group that advocates for Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns. That includes more than 16 years working for the town of Smithfield, first as its finance director and, as of 2017, as its town manager, according to his resume. He has also worked as treasurer for the town of Foster and the city of Cranston.

“The League serves as a crucial partner to Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns providing support, advocacy and protecting the taxpayers of our great state,” Rossi said in a statement. “I am looking forward to building on the progress the League has made over many years and am grateful to be a part of its future.”

Rossi was chosen through an internal search over several weeks, Lauren Greene, a spokesperson for the League, said in an email on Tuesday.

Rossi, who will begin his new role this fall, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryant College and a master’s degree in business administration from Strayer University. He holds professional certifications as a government financial manager by the Association of Government Accountants and credentialed manager by the International City Management Association.

Smithfield Town Council President Michael Lawton said councilors will meet Thursday to discuss the search process for filling Rossi’s position.

Lawton praised Rossi as a “great guy,” noting that he served on the town council that hired Rossi as town manager in 2017.

“I guess it was an opportunity that was too good to pass up,” Lawton said.

As town manager, Rossi was paid a $150,000 annual salary in fiscal 2024, slated to increase to $156,000 for fiscal 2025 under the recently approved town budget.

Updated to include details on the search process.

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