Thomas Papa Named Chief of Staff of Rhode Island Senate

President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed has named Thomas L. Papa as her chief of staff.

Papa has served since 2009 as Associate Director of the government relations firm F/S Capitol Consulting, LLC, where he has represented a diverse client base. He previously served as legislative agent for the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters.

President Paiva Weed said, “I am very pleased to make this appointment and welcome Tom to the Senate. I first came to know Tom through his work on behalf of the firefighters, and have known him to be an effective advocate on behalf of his clients. He has demonstrated a thorough understanding of the legislative process, and gained my respect for his insights, demeanor and dedication. Tom has those rare qualities needed to effectively manage the many responsibilities of the Senate’s chief of staff, including assisting the senators in achieving their goals on behalf of their constituents, and overseeing our professional staff.”

Papa served for 25 years in the City of Woonsocket Fire Department, retiring in 2009 at the rank of Captain. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Roger Williams University, as well as an Associate’s degree in Applied Science/Fire Science from the Community College of Rhode Island.

 Papa said, “I am excited by this opportunity to work with a tremendous group of senators and an exceptional staff to assist in efforts to improve our state. I look forward to working as the chief of staff for the Rhode Island Senate and to serving the people of Rhode Island.”

Papa is dedicated to community service, and he has served as President of the Museum of Work & Culture’s preservation board and as a member of theUnited Way of Rhode Island Community Advisory Committee.

He fills the vacancy created when Thomas Coderre was named by the Obama Administration as Senior Advisor of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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