R. David Cruise, an administrative magistrate for the state Traffic Tribunal and previous chief of staff for Bruce Sundlun and Joseph Montalbano, is joining Governer-elect Gina Raimondo’s administration as legislative director.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Cruise, 58, tells RIPR. While leaving a judicial post for an executive staff position is highly unusual, Cruise said he’s attracted by the chance to work with Raimondo — “a dynamic leader” — and wrestle with the state’s problems. “I think it will be a very interesting experience for all of us.”
Cruise is the second former gubernatorial chief of staff joining Raimondo’s administration. Michael DiBiase, who served as a policy director and chief of staff for Republican governor Lincoln Almond, is Raimondo’s pick to lead the state Department of Administration.
Cruise, 58, who expects to start in his new role next week, brings considerable legislative experience. A graduate of Cumberland High School, Providence College, and Suffolk University Law School, he was chief of staff for the state Senate president from 2003 to 2008. Cruise served as Sundlun’s chief of staff from 1991-93, and previously was director of the Office of Inter-governmental Affairs for the Office of Commerce Secretary.
Meanwhile, Raimondo’s team has announced the following staff additions:
Matthew Appenfeller, Director of Policy Development
Eric Beane, Deputy Chief of Staff
Matthew Bucci, Director of the Governor’s Office
Meredith Curren, Director of Appointments
Donna Dell’Aquila, Principal Project Manager/Executive Assistant
Ron DeSiderato Jr., Special Assistant to the Governor
Christine DiFillippo, Principal Project Manager/ Executive Assistant
Jennifer Fonduer, Office Manager
Joy Fox, Director of Communications
Kevin Gallagher, Deputy Chief of Staff
Matthew Golderese, Constituent Services Associate
Kelly Harris, Scheduler
Heather Hudson, Policy Advisor
Andrea Ianazzi, Special Counsel
Brad Inman, Director of Constituent Services
Olubunmi Lewis, Protocol Manager
Amy Moses, Deputy Counsel
Jason Natareno, Special Assistant to the Governor
Stephen Neuman, Chief of Staff
Katie O’Hanlon, Communications Associate
Ashley Gingerella O’Shea, Deputy Director of Communications
Talia Policelli, Deputy Legislative Director
Claire Richards, Executive Counsel
Abby Swienton, Policy Advisor
Emmanuel Traub, Constituent Services Associate
At the end of January, Marie Aberger will join the Governor’s Office as Press Secretary.
