PROVIDENCE – Melissa Travis is the new CEO and president of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association.
RIMA spokesperson Dawn Arpin confirmed with Providence Business News Friday that Travis had already started her new role. Travis was the first woman appointed to the RIMA board of directors in 2017.
“As a dynamic and experienced professional, [Travis] is ideally positioned to lead RIMA at this moment in time - when Rhode Island is showing strength in manufacturing and aims to support and advance this crucial industry even more,” said R.I. Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor. “I truly look forward to working in partnership with [Travis] and the RIMA board as we propel the manufacturing sector forward in our state.”
Travis previously served as president of the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants, one of the state’s largest professional associations, from 2019 to March 2025, according to her LinkedIn page.
Prior to that, she was director of commercial sales at HealthSource RI for Employers, where she focused on business development and small‑business services. Travis has also served on the board of the Rhode Island Business Coalition.
Travis succeeds David M. Chenevert, who announced in November would be stepping down after leading RIMA as executive director for 14 years. Chenevert stayed with RIMA until Travis formally took over as CEO and president.
During Chenevert’s tenure, RIMA expanded advocacy efforts for the state’s manufacturing sector, launched workforce development initiatives, and strengthened membership engagement across Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association was established in 1998 and serves as the unified voice for the state’s roughly 1,600 manufacturing companies, advocating at the local, state and federal levels on behalf of its members.
Travis also announced the launch of the Women’s Manufacturing Alliance, a new RIMA division aimed at boosting leadership and opportunities for women in manufacturing, supported by a soon-to-be-named advisory board.
“Melissa’s appointment marks a defining moment for RIMA,” said Craig Pickell, Chairman of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association. “She brings the strategic leadership, credibility, and execution mindset needed to transform RIMA into a modern, forward-looking organization - one that delivers real value for manufacturers, strengthens our policy leadership, and positions Rhode Island as a national leader in advanced manufacturing.”
Pryor publicly announced Travis' appointment Thursday during PBN's 2026 Economic Trends Summit at the Providence Marriott.
Matthew McNulty is a PBN staff writer. He can be reached at McNulty@PBN.com or on X at @MattMcNultyNYC.
(UPDATE: Corrects Travis is RIMA's new CEO and president. Adds comment from Pryor in third paragraph, comment from Travis in 9th and 10th paragraphs.)
