2023 -- H 6505

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING AND CONGRATULATING NEIL D. STEINBERG ON HIS RETIREMENT AS

THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Speakman, Chippendale,
Ajello, Abney, Carson, Cortvriend, Kennedy, and Edwards

     Date Introduced: June 08, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, For nearly 15 years, the Rhode Island Foundation, one of the State's most

important, respected and largest philanthropic organizations, has been blessed to be led by Neil

Steinberg. Mr. Steinberg is a great leader, innovator, tireless worker and person of great intellect,

who has used his vast knowledge and expertise in finance and development to make Rhode Island

a better place in which to live for everyone, especially our children and the vulnerable; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Steinberg graduated from Brown University with an AB degree in Math

and Sociology. He began his distinguished professional career in 1975, when he accepted a

position with Fleet Bank (now Bank of America) and in his nearly 29 year tenure with Fleet/Bank

of America, rose to the position of Chairman and CEO, and helped to make one of America's and

the world's largest banks; and

     WHEREAS, A proud Brown alum, in 2004, Mr. Steinberg accepted a position with his

alma mater, serving as their Vice President for Development and Campaign Director for nearly

five years. In recognition of his exemplary service, he was inducted into the Brown Hall of Fame

in 2007; and

     WHEREAS, In August of 2008, when Neil Steinberg was chosen to lead the Rhode

Island Foundation as its President & CEO, he stated, "I have been fortunate to have worked for

three iconic Rhode Island institutions--Fleet Bank, Brown University and the Rhode Island

Foundation. That said, being President and CEO of the Foundation has undoubtedly been the best

job I have ever had, and has allowed me the opportunity to work--as hard as I ever have--in

service to the community"; and

     WHEREAS, Under Mr. Steinberg's sterling leadership, the Rhode Island Foundation's

assets have grown by three and a half times, and under his watch, the Foundation has raised more

than $600 million in funds and has overseen grant awards totaling more than $700 million

dollars; and

     WHEREAS, In his position with the Rhode Island Foundation, Mr. Steinberg has taken a

leading role in our State on a myriad of issues important to Rhode Islanders including education,

long-term healthcare, economic development, and has increased the Foundation's commitment to

diversity, equity and inclusion. Under his leadership and guidance, the Foundation launched its

Equity Leadership Initiative and created two new significant scholarship programs, the Carter

Roger Williams Scholarship and the Andrew Scholarship. Rhode Island Foundation Board Chair,

Dr. G. Alan Kurose, stated that "Neil has been a transformative leader for the Rhode Island

Foundation and for the entire State"; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Steinberg has served on numerous civic boards and committees,

including as the co-chair of Rhode Island's Race to the Top Steering Committee, the Rhode Island

Public Expenditure Council, the Providence Performing Arts Center, the Urban League and as a

Trustee of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Steinberg has received many awards, honors and accolades throughout

his distinguished career. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, the

University of Rhode Island President's Distinguished Achievement Award in 2018, the 2013 Paul

Crowley Award from the Rhode Island Superintendents' Association, and the David E. Sweet

Leadership Award, to name but a few; and

     WHEREAS, Neil Steinberg lives in Pawtucket with his wife, Genie, and is the proud

father of two adult sons, Jason and Eric; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

honors and congratulates Neil D. Steinberg on his retirement from the Rhode Island Foundation

on May 31, 2023. We thank him for all he has done to grow Rhode Island's economy, improve

education, and foster more opportunity for all Rhode Island residents, and we wish him a most

happy and healthy retirement and continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Neil D. Steinberg.

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