Elizabeth Catucci Appointed New Executive Director of Partnership for Rhode Island

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News Summary

Elizabeth Catucci has officially stepped into the role of executive director at the Partnership for Rhode Island as of July 16, 2025. With a strong background as the president and CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, she aims to tackle critical workforce development, education improvements, and infrastructure enhancements. This leadership change comes amidst challenging economic conditions in the state, including significant job cuts at CVS Health, a key member of the organization. Catucci’s reputation as a business advocate may be crucial as Rhode Island navigates these hurdles.

Rhode Island has a new leader at the helm of the Partnership for Rhode Island, with Elizabeth Catucci officially taking on the role of executive director as of July 16, 2025. Catucci, who previously served as the president and CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, steps into the position following the departure of Thomas Giordano, who earned a total compensation package of $309,163 during his tenure in 2023.

Catucci’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the organization, which is known as a nonprofit CEO roundtable consisting of some of the state’s largest employers, including Amica, Bank of America, Brown University, CVS Health, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Citizens, and Lifespan. In her new role, Catucci aims to focus on several critical areas including the attraction of new businesses, effective workforce development, improvements in education, and necessary infrastructure enhancements throughout Rhode Island.

John Fernandez, CEO of Brown University Health and chair of the Partnership Board, noted Catucci’s strong reputation as an effective advocate for business, suggesting that her leadership will be pivotal in navigating ongoing economic challenges in the state. Meanwhile, the organization is simultaneously addressing significant issues stemming from job cuts at CVS Health, one of its key member organizations.

CVS Health announced plans to lay off nearly 800 employees in early 2025, with 12 positions impacted at its Rhode Island headquarters. This decision came as part of a broader strategy involving the elimination of 2,900 jobs nationwide, driven by ongoing financial struggles related to the company’s insurance sector and shifts in the healthcare landscape. The layoffs, which were communicated to Rhode Island state officials on November 25, 2024, follow a previous round of cuts that affected over 600 workers.

The job cuts were executed in accordance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, which mandates prior notification in the event of mass layoffs. Specific reasons for the cuts have not been disclosed; however, affected CVS employees will receive severance pay, benefits, and job-finding assistance to help them transition due to these adverse developments.

Positions affected by the layoffs include management roles, a nurse, an executive assistant, and senior data scientists. The future of CVS Health in Rhode Island has been subject to speculation, particularly about the potential separation of its retail pharmacy and insurance operations. Nevertheless, CVS representatives have assured that there are currently no plans to change the location of their Woonsocket headquarters despite the impending job reductions.

In the context of these transitions, Catucci’s objectives within the Partnership for Rhode Island will be vital as businesses in the state grapple with both the immediate impact of layoffs and the broader economic environment. Her experience in leading the Chamber of Commerce—a role in which she spearheaded initiatives to support local businesses—may position her effectively to navigate these challenges and advocate for necessary reforms and support systems in Rhode Island.

The Partnership for Rhode Island remains a significant player in shaping business policy and community engagement, and Catucci’s leadership will be closely watched as the state looks to overcome economic hurdles and develop strategies for a robust workforce and business climate.