Policy wonk Matthew Stark has left the state's Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner to work for Providence Mayor David Cicilline (full release below).
Stark was well-respected on the state level. Handling complex issues for Commissioner Christopher Koller (who may also be the tallest man on the state pay-roll).
Koller lamented to me last week (prior to a taping of Newsmakers) that life without Stark has been lousy, and it is unclear if he will have the revenue to replace him considering the state of the economy.
MAYOR TAPS NEW LEADERSHIP TO HEAD POLICY INITIATIVES
New Policy Director will lead city’s legislative efforts and help shape initiatives to advance Mayor’s priorities for the City of Providence
PROVIDENCE – Mayor David N. Cicilline today announced that he has appointed state policy and communications expert Matthew G. Stark as his new Director of Policy. Stark, who previously served as Principal Policy Associate in the State’s Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC), will play a major role in advancing the City’s legislative priorities as well as helping to identify and implement the administration’s policy initiatives.
“Matthew Stark recognizes the enormous potential of government to impact positively on people’s lives through innovative, strategic urban policies,” said Mayor Cicilline. “He also recognizes the value of partnership and possesses a unique ability to bring people together and build consensus around important issues.”
“I believe that government can be a positive force for change in folks' everyday lives,” said Stark. “I am extremely excited to become part of an administration that values transparency, accountability and positive results for those it serves. Providence is fortunate to have a Mayor who values substantive solutions, even when they require long-term planning and dedication. I can't wait to get started serving the people of Providence.”
As Principal Policy Associate in the OHIC, Stark managed the identification, legislation and implementation of the state’s healthcare policy goals. He’s credited with developing and advancing multiple years of legislative packages and managing the rollout of HEALTHpact, an initiative that provides affordable health insurance products to Rhode Island’s small businesses. During his tenure at the OHIC, he also developed and implemented strategic communications plans and elevated the profile of the agency.
Prior to joining the state, he served as Communications Director for East Greenwich-based Stark Group and was Project Manager for EpiVax Incorporated where he created systems for project management, business administration and grant submissions as well as managed research and development projects. Stark also worked as Editorial Assistant for the HIV Education Prison Project at Brown University.
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Target 12 investigative reporter Tim White joined the Eyewitness News team in September of 2006. Prior to Eyewitness News, Tim worked in the Boston television market. Most recently, he was Managing Editor at WBZ-TV, the CBS affiliate in Boston. Tim has received two Associated Press Awards for Breaking News, and he was also part of the team that was honored with the Edward R. Murrow Award for newscasts on the 2006 New Hampshire floods. No stranger to the field of journalism, Tim is the son of the late Pulitzer Prize winning reporter, Jack White. Born in Newport, RI, Tim graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Communications. He and his wife, Melissa live in Rhode Island with their daughter Eliza and son Dylan.
Member Since: 5/16/2007
