Mass Exodus: Latest Providence City Council Staffer Departs, Citing “Division in Office”

Mass Exodus: Latest Providence City Council Staffer Departs, Citing “Division in Office”

The latest Providence City Council staff member has announced their resignation, marking the most recent in a series of departures from the office.

On Thursday, Everett Coyou Pope — who had served as a policy and outreach associate — sent a letter to the Council regarding his decision to leave. 

“To clarify the reason for such an abrupt decision are the following, Lack of transparency, Lack of standardized internal communications, Division and Lack of Unity in the Office [sic]," wrote Pope. 

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"I hope this is well received I wish nothing but the best for folks until next time,” he added, in giving his two weeks notice. 

There have now been more than a half dozen Providence City Council staffers that have left since the 2022 election, after which Councilwoman Rachel Miller was then elected Council President. 

Miller said in a statement to GoLocal, "As with any change in administration, it is common to see a transition of staff, titles, and workflow. While the Council has experienced some staff members deciding to pursue new opportunities, others have chosen to retire from years of service in city government. I am committed to filling any vacancies in the Council office quickly and making sure the folks we hire are the best at what they do for our 15-member legislative body and the residents of Providence.”

Miller represents Ward 13 of Providence, which includes Federal Hill and part of the West End. She currently works as the Communications Manager at a community nonprofit, Building Futures.

A New York native, President Miller moved to Providence in 2003 from Washington, D.C.

Ac GoLocal had reported in September 2022, "Providence Councilor Who Led Effort to Defund Police Poised to be Elected Council President."

 

Latest in Staff Leaving 

The following are the now former City Council staff members who have left in approximately the last six months: 

Treasurer James Lombardi

Chief of Staff Sean Bouchard

Deputy Chief of Staff Mary Lee Dixon

Communications Staffer Chelsea DeCesare

Communications Staffer Abigail Appel

Constituent Services Carol Peralta

 

This story was updated at 9:23 PM