Lang to retire from Champlin Foundation

CRANSTON – After 18 years at the helm of the Champlin Foundation, on Friday Executive Director Keith Lang announced his retirement effective June 30.

“It’s been a great honor and privilege for me to serve as executive director of the Champlin Foundation and help lead a wonderful organization that has had such an important impact across Rhode Island,” said Lang in a statement that accompanied the announcement.

R. Kelly Sheridan, Champlin Foundation Distribution Committee chairman, thanked Lang for his tenure, saying his “unique blend of skills and experiences made him ideally suited” to the position.

A long-time resident of Block Island who also keeps a mainland residence, Lang has devoted his career to public service and nonprofit work. Prior to serving with with the Champlin Foundation, for six years he was the first director of the Rhode Island office of the Nature Conservancy. He spent twice as long in service of the late Sen. John Chafee, holding roles including director of the Rhode Island office and deputy chief of staff as well as managing Sen. Chafee’s last two re-election campaigns.

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Lang plans to maintain his Block Island residence year-round upon his retirement.

Newburyport, Mass.-based Koya Leadership Partners has been contracted by the Champlin Foundation to conduct an executive search for Lang’s successor. More information about the role is available on the Koya Leadership Partners website.

Since its founding in 1932, the Champlin Foundation has awarded more than $569 million to fund capital projects in Rhode Island that foster better medical care, improve education, expand access to social services, conserve open spaces, preserve historic buildings, enrich the arts and advance animal welfare.

Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.