Foundation Staff

Our staff is passionate about Providence's success and seeks smart, creative solutions to our city's broadest challenges. 

The Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy (DPPC) is a program of The Providence Foundation, and leads many of its public space initiatives.

As Executive Director of The Providence Foundation, Cliff Wood manages the Foundation's work and advocates on its behalf. He is a former City Council member, with a long history of working with public and private entities to activate Downtown Providence and help rebuild its historic urban core.

Cliff Wood
Executive Director

As our Project Coordinator, Kat Boots researches and coordinates different projects and programs for the DPPC. She is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and integrating the history of our beautiful city into the work we do in Greater Kennedy Plaza.

Kat Boots
Project Manager

As a Program Coordinator for the DPPC, Leah Paladino keeps the visitors of Burnside Park entertained and engaged. She provides onsite management and facilitation during the variety of programs offered, including Play in the Park, Noon Tunes, and Storytime + Art in the Park. Leah relies on public transportation and is an advocate for Greater Kennedy Plaza as a thriving, activated city center. She has a background in education and most enjoys introducing new creative play and art ideas to the families and children who come through Downtown Providence.

Leah Paladino
Program Coordinator, DPPC

As Assistant Director, Nick assists in building upon the Foundation’s key projects, implementing the annual strategic plan, and managing the efforts of the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy. He is a lifelong Providence resident with a passion for downtown who brings a background in policy analysis, public finance, and nonprofit management.

Nick Freeman
Assistant Director

As Digital Marketing Specialist, Kristin Crane is responsible for communications and marketing for The Providence Foundation and the DPPC, and is the voice of our social media accounts. Kristin has been a part of the downtown community since 2009, working with businesses such as Craftland and Cornish Associates.

Kristin Crane
Digital Marketing Specialist

Linda Pascoa has been with The Providence Foundation for many years, overseeing all administrative functions. Through her years working in Downtown Providence, she has enjoyed seeing its transformation to a more vibrant and colorful space.

Linda Pascoa
Executive Assistant

As Program Director for DPPC, Jen Smith brings high quality arts, cultural, educational, and recreational programming to public audiences. She builds partnerships and fosters positive uses of community space. She has been involved in efforts to revitalize Greater Kennedy Plaza and downtown Providence since 2010.

Jen Smith
Program Director, DPPC

 

Board of Directors

Russell Carey, Chair
Brown University, Executive VP for Planning & Policy

Kristin Fraser, Vice-chair
KPMG, Managing Partner

Chris Marsella, Treasurer
Marsella Development Corporation, President

Jennifer Bramley, Secretary
Cox Communications, VP Government & Public Affairs

Greg Almieda
Global View Communications

Roman Bejger
Providence Equity

Arnold Chace, Jr.
Cornish Associates

Bethany Costello
RISD

Peter Crump
Site Specific

Brad Dimeo
Dimeo Construction Company

Stephen Durkee
Cornish Associates, LP

Joseph Greene
Johnson & Wales University

William F. Hatfield
Bank of America

Richard Lappin
Regency Plaza/Chestnut Hill Realty

Michele Lederberg
Blue Cross/Blue Shield RI

Matthew Marcello
Hinckley, Allen & Snyder, LLP

Charles Meyers
MetroPark, Ltd.

Joseph R. Paolino, Jr
Paolino Properties

Frank Sanchez
Rhode Island College

Karen Santilli
Crossroads Rhode Island

Tony Simon
Simon Consulting

John Sinnott
Gilbane Building Company

Melvin Veasley
ACN

Michael Voccola
The Procaccianti Group