PBN Leaders & Achievers Awards 2025
DAVID M. CHENEVERT
Rhode Island Manufacturers Association Executive director
DAVID M. CHENEVERT STILL gets excited when he walks into a machine shop and smells oil.
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For more than 30 years, Chenevert, now executive director of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, owned SwissLine Precision Manufacturing LLC, a Cumberland-based producer of a variety of products. The company he started in a garage was a thriving multimillion-dollar business when he sold it in 2016.
Just as he had success in his business, he’s significantly impacted RIMA, the Smithfield-based manufacturing sector advocacy organization. Chenevert helped build the organization to approximately 500 members; hosts events, workshops and webinars; creates dynamic partnerships; and more.
Chenevert is a force when it comes to lobbying on behalf of manufacturers. He’s been key in getting legislation favorable to businesses passed, as well as stopping bills that may harm the state economically.
Most recently, Chenevert had a role in defeating a workers’ compensation bill and the millionaires tax proposal, protecting businesses across the state. Chenevert is also lauded for forming partnerships and building relationships with state and federal officials, small and large businesses in manufacturing, and elsewhere.
“I help put out fires and use my knowledge to connect dots to solve manufacturers’ problems,” he said.
Community service has also been part of Chenevert’s work. He served on the Cumberland Town Council as its president for many years. He also helped launch CumberlandFest – an annual town summer festival, participating in Cumberland Youth Soccer and was president of Cumberland Little League. He’s been a member of the Governor’s Workforce Board and the R.I. Commerce Corp. board, too.
“I love Little League, serving on boards, being in politics,” he said. “Everyone should serve in a political position once in their life. People like to complain about politicians, but they should know what it’s like to serve.”
When he’s not fighting battles for manufacturers, you might find Chenevert on a beach, reading historical books or traveling .“I just want to do my part so that people will know what manufacturing can do for the state and recognize its importance,” he said.
