PBN Leaders & Achievers Awards 2025
STEPHEN DOLINICH
RISE Group Inc. Manager of talent acquisition
OVER A 30-YEAR CAREER in talent acquisition, Stephen Dolinich has made it his mission to connect people with purpose-driven work.
As manager of talent acquisition at Cranston-based RISE Group Inc. – which delivers energy efficiency solutions throughout the Northeast – Dolinich doesn’t just fill jobs. He also opens doors to career pathways and is reshaping what workforce development can look like in Rhode Island.
“I believe that work isn’t just about a paycheck. It’s about purpose, dignity and growth,” Dolinich said. “I’m passionate about helping people find roles where they feel valued, challenged and aligned with their strengths and aspirations.”
Since joining RISE in 2015, Dolinich has transformed the recruiting process by creating an internal talent acquisition system that eliminated the need for third-party staffing firms, ultimately saving the company time and money while also enhancing the quality of hires. Under his leadership, time-to-fill rates dropped, and hiring decisions became more aligned with organizational needs and individual career goals.
Dolinich’s approach is marked by empathy and efficiency. He says a successful hire starts with learning about the human beyond the resume and finding their talents to put them in a role that helps them grow into future opportunities while feeling supported and empowered to succeed.
That philosophy led Dolinich to develop partnerships with schools, training centers and state-run programs, creating internship and job opportunities for high schoolers, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people facing employment barriers.
Whether mentoring students, speaking on workforce development panels, or guiding hiring managers through inclusive practices, Dolinich’s goal is to help people find work that matters.
Dolinich’s work has helped make RISE a more inclusive, mission-aligned company. His collaborations with organizations such as Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, Foster Forward and the R.I. Office of Rehabilitation Services have earned recognition and results, including a 2024 Employer of Excellence Award from the Governor’s Workforce Board.
“I see recruiting as a chance to change someone’s life, not just fill a role,” Dolinich said. “When we open the door to someone who’s been overlooked or underestimated, we all win.”
