League of Cities & Towns Honors Scott Avedisian

Municipal leaders and guests from across Rhode Island gathered for the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns’ 50th Annual Dinner at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick on Thursday, September 27. The annual event celebrates the League’s role as the unified voice of local government in Rhode Island.

Clarence Anthony, the Executive Director of the National League of Cities gave the keynote speech. The NLC is a nationwide resource and advocate for municipalities, convening local leaders to champion city priorities on a federal level and share best practices. “The 39 cities and towns of Rhode Island are stronger because of their engagement with the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns,” said Anthony.  “It was an honor to celebrate 50 years of advocacy, leadership training and best practices with the League.”

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​Scott Avedisian, former Mayor of Warwick and former President of the League, was honored for his near 20 years of service to the City. Avedisian was named the new CEO of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) this past summer. “It has been an honor to serve the City of Warwick over the past 18 years, I look forward to continuing to work with the League in my new role,” said Avedisian. 

​“Scott has displayed an unwavering commitment to improving Warwick and has extended this passion as an active League member and past Board President, advocating for all of Rhode Island’s cities and towns. We look forward to working with him in his new role at RIPTA,” said Brian Daniels, Executive Director of the League of Cities and Towns. 

During the event, the League elected Central Falls Mayor James A. Diossa as the new President, who will replace Pawtucket Mayor, Donald Grebien, who has served in the role for three years. “The League has played a critical role in standing up for Rhode Island cities and towns. I am honored to have led the organization for the past three years and look forward to remaining engaged alongside new leadership,” said Grebien.

Diossa will start his term immediately. “I am excited to become more engaged in the League’s advocacy as their new Board President. Rhode Island cities and towns are poised to continue leading the state’s economic growth and I’m fortunate to play a role in working alongside them,” said Diossa. 

The speaking program also featured Michael DiBiase, Director of the RI Department of Administration; Erin Lynch Prata, RI Senate Judiciary Chair; and K. Joseph Shekarchi, RI House Majority Leader.

“As we close out our 50th year, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns remains committed to serving as an advocate for all 39 communities in Rhode Island. We are energized by our dedicated longstanding members and new leadership. We look forward to continued progress in championing their successes.” Daniels said.

​Founded in 1968, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns is a municipal membership organization that serves as the unified voice of local government in Rhode Island. Learn more at www.RILeague.org.

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