EDWIN R. PACHECO, formerly the interim executive director of external relations and communications at Rhode Island College who was also a state representative and Rhode Island Democratic Party chairman, was recently named the CEO and president of Smithfield-based athletics nonprofit Special Olympics Rhode Island. Pacheco began his tenure May 16 and succeeds outgoing CEO Dennis DeJesus. Pacheco briefly ran as a Democratic candidate for Congress earlier this year before ending his campaign in March.
Did this position at Special Olympics Rhode Island come up during your campaign for Congress, or after you left the race? I was pursuing Congress, and everything happened in a flurry. I made the decision [in early January] to jump in. As disappointing as it was, money became the biggest factor in that race. … I didn’t know what the next step was going to look like after that. After stepping away from Rhode Island College, I had to start looking for what that next adventure would be. I had a connection with KLR Executive Search Group LLC. They said, “Hey, we’re working with this amazing organization, Special Olympics Rhode Island. They’re looking for their next president and CEO. Would you be interested?”
What drew you to wanting to lead Special Olympics Rhode Island? I worked in nonprofits and, most recently, higher education. I think the thing that was most appealing was working for such a mission-driven organization that is a service to Rhode Islanders. I really fell in love with the community and the opportunity to serve Rhode Islanders and promote inclusion through physical activities, sports and health education, particularly for individuals with intellectual disabilities and provide opportunities for them to experience joy through sport and competitiveness.
What are the first few things you hope to accomplish as CEO and president? Right now, it’s getting to know the vast community that is Special Olympics Rhode Island. There are 4,000 athletes who are served by the organization, and their families. I want to have the opportunity to meet all of them. … Second, it’s how to elevate the incredible work that’s taking place. The accomplishments that Special Olympics achieved under the leadership of Dennis DeJesus are amazing. We need time to figure out strategies that are going to help continue that success but also bring it to the next level and invest in building inclusive communities all throughout the state.
What fundraising initiatives do you hope to bring to Special Olympics Rhode Island? There are a number of philanthropic individuals across the state. When you talk to donors, especially those who haven’t given to an organization, more times than not is them saying that we did not ask. We want all Rhode Islanders to experience that journey with our athletes and give them opportunities, whether it’s through a Penguin Plunge that’s held at the beginning of each calendar year or a truck convoy, really invite Rhode Islanders to be a part of that with us.
