Papa named Senate chief of staff by Paiva Weed

PROVIDENCE – Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed has named Thomas L. Papa as her chief of staff.
According to a news release, Papa has served as associate director of the government relations firm F/S Capitol Consulting LLC since 2009. Prior to that, he served as legislative agent for the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters.
Paiva Weed said Papa “has demonstrated a thorough understanding of the legislative process, and … has those rare qualities needed to effectively manage the many responsibilities of the Senate’s chief of staff, including assisting the senators in achieving their goals on behalf of their constituents, and overseeing our professional staff.”
Papa also worked for Woonsocket Fire Department for 25 years before retiring in 2009 at the rank of captain.
He fills the vacancy created when Thomas Coderre was named by the Obama administration as senior adviser of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. •