Long-Time Sen. Reed Aide Simone Will Serve As Speaker Shekarchi's Chief of Staff

Long-Time Sen. Reed Aide Simone Will Serve As Speaker Shekarchi's Chief of Staff

Speaker Joe Shekarchi announced Tuesday that Ray Simone longtime staffer for U.S. Senator Jack Reed, will serve as his chief of staff. 

“I wanted the best person for the job and Raymond is a perfect fit.  He is a highly-skilled, dedicated public servant who I have known for over thirty years.  He’s got the experience and drive this job demands and I’m thrilled he will lead my staff as we work to overcome COVID and deliver for the people of Rhode Island,” said Speaker Shekarchi.  “Raymond is widely respected on both sides of the aisle and has a proven track record.  I am grateful to Senator Reed for allowing Raymond to serve with me for this critical coming session.”

Simone has served as Reed’s chief of staff since he was first sworn in to the U.S. House of Representatives in January 1991 and then to the U.S. Senate in January 1997.

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“I’m honored he asked me to serve and look forward to the challenge,” said Simone. “It’s been a privilege to work for Jack Reed. Jack and Joe both share that tireless, blue collar work ethic, unquestioned integrity, and are champions for working families. This new assignment will allow me to serve the state in a different capacity.  The Speaker has put forth a bold agenda for a healthier, safer, more prosperous Rhode Island and I look forward to working with him to implement it and tackle COVID during an unprecedented time.”

Simone is a lifelong resident of Cranston and a graduate of Roger Williams University.

Shekarchi also announced that Nicole McCarty has been promoted to chief legal counsel for the Office of Speaker.

“Nicole has been my legal counsel for the past three years and has done an excellent job,” said Speaker Shekarchi.  “She is loyal, dedicated and works extremely hard on behalf of the people of Rhode Island.” Prior to McCarty, now lobbyist Matt Jerzyk served as Shekarchi's counsel.

She is a 1992 graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.  In 1995, she earned her Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University School of Law.