For Immediate Release: David Salvatore to Lead The Providence Foundation as New Executive Director: Looks to Enhance Organization’s Impact on the Future of the Capital City
June 18, 2024: The Providence Foundation Executive Committee today announced David Salvatore will lead the organization as its new executive director, starting July 1. Salvatore, a well-known business leader and former Providence City Councilman, will take the helm of the organization comprised of more 150 leading corporations, institutions, and nonprofits in Rhode Island. The Providence Foundation aims to grow investment in the city’s core and to accelerate important and visionary projects in the downtown by leading the integration of business, government and nonprofit sectors. Salvatore was selected following a national search.
Christopher Marsella, chair of The Providence Foundation and president of Marsella Development said, “David is an impressive and experienced individual who brings an essential knowledge of city and state government, public affairs, and business operations to the Foundation. With David at the helm, we will enhance our team’s strength and ensure we continue to make major impacts now and in the future. The Foundation trustees have an unquestionable commitment to our downtown and have advocated for and led projects essential to the city’s growth for 50 years. David’s leadership will reinforce this foundation and position us to grow our impact over the next 50 years. We are excited to have him begin, as we know he is prepared to hit the ground running.”
Salvatore comes to the position with a great deal of experience in the public and private sectors. He most recently served as vice president of public affairs for the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, where he successfully built a culture of commitment with elected officials, non-profit organizations, and business leaders on issues related to housing. Before joining the Realtors, Salvatore poured his passion for public policy into his work as senior policy analyst for the House of Representatives. He also served the state of Rhode Island for five years as director of Unclaimed Property & Business Services for the State Treasurer where he managed a team of more than 25 individuals.
As a Providence City Council member elected by Ward 14 voters, Salvatore made the concerns of his constituents a top priority. During his 12-year tenure, he was recognized as a leader by his colleagues and as a result served as city council president and spent time as chair of the Ways and Means Committee. Salvatore has also volunteered his time on boards and committees of Sojourner House and the United Way, among other Providence-based nonprofits.
Salvatore graduated with a Master of Public Administration from Roger Williams University and with a B.A. in Business Administration and Management from Rhode Island College.
“I am honored to be named the next executive director of The Providence Foundation. This role allows me to fully focus on our dynamic capital city—a place I call home, love dearly and have always been passionate about,” said Salvatore.
He continued, “Joining the Providence Foundation during this critical time in our city’s history is a thrilling opportunity that both my family and I are excited for. I am eager to work with the Foundation’s Board of Directors on leading initiatives that will inspire the kind of growth, improvements, and possibilities that Downtown Providence, our residents, and the nonprofit and business communities deserve. I look forward to getting started.”
Since its founding in 1974, the Foundation has supported major initiatives that have transformed the downtown area, including the railroad relocation, the river relocation project, the relocation of I-195, the restoration of downtown’s historic core, the dredging of the Providence River for the well-being of the city, and the formation of the Providence Downtown Improvement District and Downtown Providence Parks Network.
“I thank the search committee for their thoughtful approach and diligence in selecting a person for this position who fits the needs of this organization at this moment in time,” Marsella concluded.