Simmons to leave RIPEC at end of year

PROVIDENCE – John C. Simmons will step down from his post as CEO and president of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council at the end of 2019, the organization announced Tuesday.

Simmons has served in the role since January 2008, when he succeeded Gary S. Sasse.

The organization aims to provide independent research inform the government, the business community and citizens on factors relevant to public-policy decisions.

The nonprofit has formed a search committee to find a successor to Simmons. RIPEC did not provide a timeline for the search.

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It wasn’t immediately clear on what Simmons’ plans are following his departure from RIPEC.

“Over the past dozen years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the team at RIPEC to identify issues and partner in crafting solutions to address some of the most important challenges facing our state,” said Simmons in a statement. “I want to thank the RIPEC board and the many people whom I have worked with, including the three chairs Ronald Machtley, Robert DiMuccio and Mim Runey.”

Before his time with RIPEC, Simmons served as chief of administration for Providence.

“Since 1932, leaders of the business and nonprofit communities have volunteered their time to serve on RIPEC because they have shared the organization’s dedication to fiscal responsibility and its mission to make Rhode Island government more effective for all its citizens,” said Johnson & Wales University Chancellor Mim L. Runey, who serves as the chair of the RIPEC board of directors. Simmons’ “thoughtful analysis in the areas of education and economic development have helped draft legislation that will impact Rhode Island for years to come.”