Keenan named new state controller

PROVIDENCE – Peter Keenan has been named Rhode Island’s new state controller and will oversee the Office of Accounts and Controls.
Keenan, who served as associate controller for more than a decade, takes over the roll on a permanent basis after holding it in an interim capacity since May. R.I. Department of Administration director Michael DiBiase, whose department oversees the Office of Accounts and Controls, lauded Keenan in a statement.
“Peter has been an essential part of our team at the Department of Administration,” DiBiase said. “He has shown excellent leadership in his roles as associate controller and more recently as acting controller. One recent example is when Peter worked with our team to create a new, standardized state grants payment policy that inserts more accountability and transparency into our processes. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from both the public and private sector, and I am pleased that he will be continuing his commitment to public service in this important position.”
Keenan previous served as chief financial officer at R.I. Department of Children, Youth and Families. He has private-sector experience working at KPMG, among other institutions. A certified public accountant by trade, Keenan holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s of business administration from Providence College, according to a press release.
“I am looking forward to fulfilling my position as the state’s controller,” Keenan said. “The Office of Accounts and Control plays a critical role in state government, and I am honored to have the chance to lead this Office.”
The state says the Office of Accounts and Control responsibilities include: