Warwick Mayor Avedisian to be Named Head of RIPTA on Weds, Will Resign City Post

Warwick Mayor Avedisian to be Named Head of RIPTA on Weds, Will Resign City Post

GoLocal has learned that on Wednesday the Board of the RI Public Transit Authority is scheduled to vote on the appointment of Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian as the  Chief Executive Officer of the transit authority.

He has served as Mayor of Warwick since 2000. The Republican is 53 years old.

The appointment which is scheduled for an approval vote with the backing of Governor Gina Raimondo has political implication across Rhode Island. The agenda for the meeting includes:

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

Chairman’s Report:

Board Discussion / Potential Vote(s): Discussion: • Status of CEO search • Discussion of process • Discussion of alternatives to current process • Identification and discussion regarding potential candidates • Discussion and potential votes concerning selection of CEO

Multiple sources tell GoLocal that the vote will take place at the 1:30 meeting, first in closed session and then approved by vote publicly.

Avedisian has deep experience with RIPTA having served as the Chair of the Board for years. He resigned in May of 2016. At the time he told GoLocal in an interview, "My term was up and I didn't want to make another four-year commitment and I thought it was a good time," Avedisian told GoLocal. "I've spoken with the Governor about it."

Avedisian added he had stayed on longer than he had expected.

"I'd gone with the purpose of staying one year, and it ended up being five," said Avedisian.  "As for who might be the next Chair, that's up to the board, generally with input from the Governor.  There are four seats currently up on the board."

Political Implications

The departure of Avedisian will be a blow to fellow Republican and close ally Cranston Mayor Fung. If Fung becomes the GOP nominee in 2018, it is critical he deliver big numbers in both Cranston and Warwick to win the General Election.

The move by Avedisian may clear the way for Lincoln Chafee, former Warwick Mayor, U.S. Senator and Governor, to run for Mayor of Warwick. On Monday, he told GoLocal’s News Editor Kate Nagle that he is unlikely to run for Governor.