People on the Move: New Top Lender at BankNewport, Master Brewer Luke Moves to Ragged Island

People on the Move: New Top Lender at BankNewport, Master Brewer Luke Moves to Ragged Island

GoLocal's People on the Move is an update on new hires and promotions across southern New England. If your organization has an announcement, email it to us at [email protected].

Lapak Joins BankNewport as Chief Commercial Banking and Lending Officer

BankNewport announced that Jeanne Lapak has joined the Bank’s executive team in November 2021 as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Banking and Lending Officer, responsible for leading the Commercial and Business Banking Teams. 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

With over 20 years of banking experience and high-level expertise in strategic and sales leadership, Jeanne formerly held senior management positions at organizations including Citizens, Santander, and JP Morgan Chase Bank.

“Jeanne is a valuable addition to our executive team,” said Jack Murphy, President and CEO of BankNewport. “She brings both a strategic and customer-centric approach, as well as an omnichannel perspective. Her depth of knowledge, experience and ability to execute is a true asset to BankNewport.”  Under Lapak’s leadership, BankNewport will further expand its commitment and service to commercial and small businesses throughout Rhode Island.   

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts.  Jeanne and her husband Tom have recently relocated to Newport, RI.

 

New Head Brewer

The team at Ragged Island has announced Derek Luke as the new Head Brewer.

"A true craft beer pioneer, Derek has over 20 years of brewing experience and brings an incredible work ethic to our management team. His knowledge, skills and industry connections have already paid dividends as we prepare to reopen on the farm. As a resident of Aquidneck Island and a dedicated member of this community, Derek is a perfect fit for our family-owned and operated business," said Raqged Island Brewery in the announcement.

Luke was the former CEO of Newport Storm.

 

Howard Comms Director for Mayoral Campaign

Communication professional Sam Howard has been tapped to serve as the communications director for Gonzalo Cuerzo's Providence mayoral run.

 

Sousa Named Permanent Rhode Island Medicaid Program Director

Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Womazetta Jones on Wednesday announced Kristin Pono Sousa as the state’s next Medicaid Program Director – a role she has been filling on an interim basis since December 2021. She will officially start in her new position on April 10, 2022.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is designated as the single State agency to administer the Medicaid program in Rhode Island. Medicaid is an important source of coverage for low-income families with children, pregnant women, elders and persons with disabilities and special needs who otherwise might not be able to pay for or get access to affordable health care.

“As Rhode Island’s Medicaid Director, Kristin brings expertise and a dedication to providing high-quality services to this vulnerable population,” said Governor McKee. “I’m grateful for her willingness to take on this role and look forward to working with her on behalf of the 300,000 Rhode Islanders that rely on this critical program.”

“The State is fortunate to have someone of Kristin’s caliber to lead such a complex and vital program for our state,” said Jones.