See the Connections: PPAC Board and Projo

Joe Walsh

Chairman of PPAC Board, Providence Journal Lobbyist

Top lobbyist at the State House for more than two decades. He has chaired the PPAC board since the early 1990s and is on the board of the related for-profit companies. PPAC won’t disclose if he has an ownership interest.

Serves as the lobbyist for the Providence Journal and other newspapers trying to block the budget article to stop forcing cities and towns to buy newspapers for legal notices. The article would save the state and Rhode Island communities millions.

Mark T. Ryan, Esq.

First Vice Chairman of PPAC Board, Former Providence Journal Executive Vice President

Ryan, who serves as counsel to the Providence Journal and is a significant shareholder in A.H Belo stock (parent company to the Providence Journal), is currently a principal of Moses Afonso Ryan LTD.

He has worked in various capacities on a city and state level, including serving as a commissioner on the I-195 Commission, Chair of the Search Committee for an Economic Development Director for the City of Providence, and Co-Chair of the City of Providence Mayor Angel Taveras’ Transition Team.

Scott C. Connolly

PPAC Board Member and Sr. Vice President for Sales & Marketing for Providence Journal

Connolly is the top sales person at the Providence Journal and second only to publisher Howard Sutton. Connolly has led sales for the Projo during a period of decline from over $130 million to $41 million (2005 to 2013). PPAC spent over $450,000 in 2013 with the Providence Journal and PPAC refuses to disclose board meeting minutes to determine if Connolly and Ryan voted on the budget.

Gordon D. Fox, Esq.

(Former Speaker), PPAC Board Member

Fox has served on the board during his time as Speaker and Majority Leader. He recently resigned as Speaker of the House after his office was raided by FBI and IRS agents. Fox continues to serve on the PPAC Board. The PPAC website recently removed his Speaker title next to his name.