2021 40 Under Forty Awards
Kimberly Ahern | 37 | Director of Policy and Senior Counsel, R.I. Office of the Governor
How do you think COVID-19 will change your industry going forward? We kept our state workforce safe and pivoted to remote work, while at the same time never closing our doors while continuing to deliver vital services for Rhode Islanders. Going forward, we want to continue to make government processes easier and more efficient for people in this digital age.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully being a Girl Scout leader to my school-aged daughters and their biggest cheerleader and fan for things they want to do. I also see myself continuing to find ways to serve the state of Rhode Island.
What advice would you give your 22-year-old self? Ask lots of questions and listen more than you talk.
What moment changed your life more than any other? When my children were born.
What is your favorite Rhode Island food or drink? Coffee milk and our amazing food pop-ups like Butterbang Croissants.
Fox or MSNBC? MSNBC.
What are you looking forward to doing again the most post-pandemic? Pre-pandemic, I loved taking my children to a monthly concert for parents and kids alike called the PVD Shanty Sing. I’m looking forward to events like that starting back up.
What is your favorite song? “We Shall Be Free” by Garth Brooks.
THE PROP: At her office, Kimberly Ahern has two items she takes the most pride in: a photo of her children and the Rhode Island state flag.
