PROVIDENCE – After six years leading the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, Liz Catucci is leaving the organization to lead a prominent nonprofit CEO roundtable.
The Partnership for Rhode Island announced Wednesday that Catucci has been appointed the nonprofit’s next executive director and will begin her new role in early September. Catucci formally succeeds founding Director Tom Giordano, who
left the organization in March to become vice president of external affairs for Johnston-based insurer FM.
Catucci
was first hired as the NRI Chamber’s CEO and president in September 2019, taking over for the retired John C. Gregory. In leading one of the state’s largest business organizations, the partnership says, Catucci increased the Chamber’s membership and stakeholder engagement.
Now, the partnership says Catucci will focus on bringing businesses to the state, ensuring that Rhode Island’s elected officials prioritize workforce development, education and infrastructure improvements to make the Ocean State competitive.
Catucci told Providence Business News on Wednesday that leaving the Chamber was a “difficult decision,” but she said she was attracted to the partnership’s new foray into business attraction – luring businesses to set up shop in Rhode Island. She said there is a “great opportunity” for the partnership to engage and get involved in welcoming businesses to the state.
“I’m really excited, but it will be a great challenge for sure,” Catucci said.
Catucci also said taking the job at the partnership was beyond just financial reasons; rather, she said she’s looking forward to the new challenge. The Chamber’s 2023 990 form noted Catucci’s salary was $154,500, whereas Giordano made $309,163 in total compensation that same year while leading the partnership, per the organization’s respective 990 form.
Catucci said her work at the partnership will be similar to what she’s been doing at the Chamber since 2019, adding that she feels this will be a “comfortable shift in some ways.”
Catucci also serves on several nonprofit boards, including for Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Delta Dental of Rhode Island and United Way of Rhode Island Inc.’s community advisory board, the partnership said.
In a statement, Giordano said Catucci's leadership will provide “a new perspective” for the partnership as the state addresses new economic challenges and opportunities.
Catucci said her top priority right now is finding her successor at the Chamber. She said the Chamber’s executive committee is currently reviewing resumes for possible leadership candidates, with the new CEO and president expected to be hired in the fall.
“I am here to support [the committee] through that [hiring] process and help in any way I can,” Catucci said.
(UPDATED throughout to include comments from Liz Catucci.)
James Bessette is the PBN special projects editor, and also covers the nonprofit and education sectors. You may reach him at Bessette@PBN.com. You may also follow him on X at @James_Bessette.
Congratulations, Liz! You are sure to make a major impact in RI’s future. I look forward to interacting with you in your new role. SM