I-195 in Rhode IslandThe Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has named nine new members to its senior management group as it works on the biggest staff reorganization in the agency’s history.
“As we work diligently to improve our roads and bridges, we are working hard to rebuild RIDOT itself, creatng a more robust, accountable and efficient organizational structure for this agency,” RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. said. “We are getting our house in order and restructuring RIDOT to ensure we can fulfill on our promises of delivering projects quickly and effectively, and maintaining our infrastructure to the highest standards possible.”
RIDOT is reorganizing to improve project delivery and is focusing on its Division of Project Management. It authorized 14 new positions earlier this year and is eliminating 40 funded administrative positions to be transferred to the Maintenance and Operation Division to add more staff to work on day-to-day activities.
The agency plans to add 20 project managers later this summer and will advertise additional positions for public hearing.
The new staff members include:
John Travassos
RIDOT’s Administrator of Project Management, will be responsible for implementation and management of RIDOT’s Transportation Capital Program. Travassos brings 25 years of experience in the environmental and engineering consulting field and recently came from Arizona where he was Co- General Manager of Johnson Camp Mine, overseeing the development of the copper mining operation valued at $2 billion.
Meredith Brady
RIDOT’s Administrator of Planning, has been employed at RIDOT for 5 years as Budget Administrator, most recently serving as Acting Policy Director. Brady previously served as a legislative analyst for the Rhode Island Senate for 11 years. She will be responsible for the administration, development and implementation of transportation planning including performance metrics, capital programming, bridge and pavement planning, drainage planning and environmental review and real estate and economic development. Brady also will lead the development of RIDOT’s 10-year transportation plan, as well yearly coordination with the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program process.
Stephen Devine
RIDOT’s Administrator of the Office of Transit, New Starts, Operations and Transit Alternatives, is a 29-year veteran RIDOT employee, who previously served as Chief of Intermodal Planning. Devine will be responsible for the administration, formulation and development of various intermodal transportation and transit plans and programs, and management of the operations of the state’s commuter rail and related systems.
Robert Rocchio, P.E.
RIDOT’s Acting Chief Safety Officer, has worked for the Department for 23 years, serving as Managing Engineer of RIDOT’s Traffic Management and Highway Safety section. Rocchio is responsible for overseeing and administering the operation of a comprehensive statewide transportation traffic management and safety program and to plan, program, design and implement transportation infrastructure safety improvement projects.
Brian Moore, P.E.
RIDOT’s Administrator of Stormwater Management, comes to RIDOT from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). A 2ti-year veteran of DEM, he most recently served as Chief of Groundwater and Wetland Protection. Moore will be responsible for the administration, development and implementation and management of the transportation component of RIDOT’s 10-year stormwater369 management plan and program. His efforts include ensuring RIDOT’s compliance with federal and state water quality standards for permiVng and compliance requirements and judicial orders. (Starts June 26)
Lisbeth PePengill
RIDOT’s Communications Director, who brings 3ti years of experience in communications and public affairs, working in governmental, private, educational and business organizations. Pedengill will be responsible for developing and maintaining an overall communications program, which includes media relations, public affairs and community relations. (Starts July 18)
Pamela CoPer
RIDOT’s Policy Director, has 25 years of experience working in media, including the Providence Journal. Coder will be responsible for supervision of RIDOT’s Office of Policy, which includes overseeing policy development and implementation with a focus on expanding and enhancing customer service.
Joseph Baker, P.E.
RIDOT’s Manager of Project Management, is a 13-year veteran of RIDOT who formerly led the Department’s Construction Management and Highway & Bridge Maintenance divisions. Baker will be responsible for oversight of the project management program within the Transportation Capital Program.
Richard Bernardo, P.E.
RIDOT’s Manager of In-House Design Engineering, brings over 36 years of experience in the civil engineering field, specializing in civil, transportation and environmental engineering. He also served as Director of Public Works for the City of Cranston and the Town of Burrillville. Bernardo will be responsible for overseeing the administration and operation of the project management divisional transportation engineering programs for in-house design and survey, and to ensure effective design and engineering for projects requested by project management. (Starts June 26)
