People on the Move: New CEO at RI Free Clinic, McKee Makes Two Appointments
GoLocalProv Business Team
People on the Move: New CEO at RI Free Clinic, McKee Makes Two Appointments
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].
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Rhode Island Free Clinic board of directors announced the selection of Forrest A. Daniels, MPA, DSc, FACHE as its new Chief Executive Officer. “We’re thrilled to have Dr. Daniels join us to lead our high-performing Clinic Team,” said William Fitzgerald, Board President. Daniels succeeds Dr. Marie Ghazal who is retiring on March 31st after twelve years of service and growth for the Clinic.
A former resident of Amherst, MA, and a graduate of Howard University and Indiana University, Daniels earned his Doctor of Science in Healthcare Leadership from The University of Alabama-Birmingham. He is board-certified in healthcare management, a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a recipient of the ACHE Chairman’s Service Award for his contribution to healthcare management excellence through his volunteer service to the profession and College.
Daniels returns to New England from the mid-Atlantic where he served with the Maryland Department of Health since 2019, most recently as CEO of the Eastern Shore Hospital Center. Daniels’ career has focused on serving the nation’s most vulnerable in senior management positions at hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and community organizations, including the District of Columbia Department of Health, and the D.C. Department of Corrections.
“I look forward to moving to Rhode Island to work with Free Clinic volunteers, community partners, and supporters to advance the Clinic’s mission to ensure vital health care for adults in need from throughout Rhode Island,” said Daniels.
Governor McKee Appoints Patricia M. DiCenso to Chair the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Dan McKee announced the appointment of Patricia M. DiCenso as Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education.
“Patricia has demonstrated successful leadership in various roles in education throughout her career. Her extensive experience speaks for itself as does her steadfast commitment to Rhode Island’s students. Patricia's nearly four decades working in Rhode Island schools more than qualifies her to lead this council, and I look forward to our continued partnership as our Administration works to advance public education in Rhode Island.”
DiCenso, who replaces Daniel McConaghy as Chair, began her distinguished career in education nearly 40 years ago as a teacher. She went on to work as a guidance counselor with the Johnston Public School Department before serving as an Assistant Principal in North Kingstown and later Principal at Rogers High School in Newport.
She retired as the Superintendent of Schools in Pawtucket in 2019. Among her accolades is being named the 2010 Principal of the Year.
“I am honored and humbled to be appointed to chair the Council of Elementary and Secondary Education so I may continue to serve the children and families of Rhode Island. Thank you, Governor McKee, for this opportunity,” said DiCenso.
Maria E. Cimini was appointed as Director of the Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) by McKee.
“Maria overwhelmingly exemplifies the qualities necessary to lead the Office of Healthy Aging,” said Governor McKee. “She has the compassion to advocate for older Rhode Islanders and adults with disabilities, the skill to connect that population with the resources they need, and the experience to serve with a focus on equity. Maria is a strong and passionate leader who can help accelerate the Office’s goals, and I am confident that under her leadership, we can better position the state to support the needs of this community. I also thank Michelle Szylin for her unwavering commitment to the agency in serving as Interim Director.”
Cimini, a former State Representative, has an extensive career in social work and public policy, most recently serving as Associate Director at the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS). She joined DHS in 2017 helping provide policy guidance and expand access to benefits for low-income Rhode Islanders. Prior to that position, Cimini managed a statewide project under the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless, facilitating a pathway to permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. She worked at the URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America for 11 years and served as the State Representative for District 7 in Providence from 2011-2014.
“I am excited to join the Office of Healthy Aging and honored by the trust Governor McKee is placing in me to ensure that as older Rhode Islanders make their personal life decisions, they are supported and have access to resources they need,” said Cimini. “I have seen in my own family that all older adults have unique aging experiences. Those experiences are informed by their lives, their families, and their cultural communities. The Office of Healthy Aging is an incredible resource for older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. I am thrilled to get to work with the OHA team to fulfill its mission of access, connection and protection.”
McKee submitted Maria’s name to the Senate for Advice and Consent. Maria replaces Michelle Szylin who served as Interim Director during the search for a permanent Director.