In the Arena: Marc Crisafulli, I-195 Redevelopment Commission

Marc Crisafulli, wearing a blue shirt, is looking at the camera.

Each week Joe Paolino Jr. interviews movers and shakers in the Rhode Island community. This week he talks with Marc Crisafulli, formerly a top attorney, then with GTech, then IGT, then Bally’s – and now the Commission. He talks about his career evolvement and a serious health scare. Be sure to tune in to ABC6…

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In the Arena – Ray Rickman, Stages of Freedom

Ray Rickman, a man in a striped shirt, is standing in front of a map.

Each week Joe Paolino Jr. talks to a leader in Rhode Island about issues of the day. This interview is with Ray Rickman, co-founder and director of Stages of Freedom, a nonprofit building bridges across cultural divides through exciting public engagement. Stages also operates an educational museum working to bring art objects, books & gift…

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In the Arena: Brent Runyon, former director, Providence Preservation Society

A man named Joe Paolino Jr. standing in front of an old building with graffiti on it.

Photo: Providence Preservation Society, Facebook This week Joe Paolino Jr. interviews Brent Runyon, the Executive Director of the Providence Preservation Society as he prepares to leave Rhode Island. They talk about his time here and his proudest accomplishments. Paolino refers to Runyon as a man of deep integrity and vision. His one regret? The Cranston…

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In the Arena – Yarrow Thorne, The Avenue Concept

A man in a plaid shirt is sitting in front of a computer.

Each week Joe Paolino Jr. interviews leaders in Rhode Island on In the Arena. This week he talks with Yarrow Thorne, the CEO and founder of The Avenue Concept. The Avenue Concept works with public art, particularly in downtown Providence, supporting the creative sector by growing the creative economy. They have created art on Custom…

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In the Arena: GrowSmartRI CEO Scott Wolf

A man from GrowSmartRI with a briefcase walking down a set of steps.

This week Joe Paolino Jr. interviews Scott Wolf, founder and CEO for over 24 years of GrowSmartRI. They talk about the leadership role of Howard Kilguss, who recently passed away, and how many agencies could use a leader like him. GrowSmart focuses on improving the design and use of building and neighborhood design and how…

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In the Arena – David Cicilline, from Congress to Rhode Island Foundation

A man in a suit and tie is sitting in front of a desk.

Joe Paolino, Jr. interviews David Cicilline as he leaves Congress and enters the role of leading the Rhode Island Foundation. Cicilline talks about the debt ceiling, just before the vote that happened. Reviews his proudest efforts in Congress – and about his transition to the private sector as he returns home. They talk about the…

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In the Arena with Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong

A man in a suit and tie in front of an american flag.

This week Joe Paolino, Jr. interviews the new Mayor of Newport, Xay Khamsyvoravong. Xay says he sees Newport as providing a role model for other cities and towns. Yet its uniqueness in terms of history, culture, and more, leave it as a city worth serving. Housing, education, and transportation are his three priority areas. Housing…

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In the Arena… as Neil Steinberg leaves The Rhode Island Foundation

A man wearing glasses and a tie proudly stands in front of a bookcase, symbolizing his affiliation with the Rhode Island Foundation.

Each week Joe Paolino, Jr. talks with leaders in Rhode Island. This week he interviewed Neil Steinberg as he prepares to leave the Rhode Island Foundation after over 15 years as its CEO. He reviews how the Foundation has grown, the groups and causes it has funded, and its direction in the future. As Steinberg…

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In the Arena: Julie Sullivan, Social Enterprise Greenhouse

A smiling woman in a black turtleneck sitting in front of a potted plant at Social Enterprise Greenhouse.

This week Joe Paolino, Jr. interviews Julie Sullivan the CEO of Social Enterprise Greenhouse. They talk about the agency’s mission and goals for small business owners, with a network of volunteers who work to support those in their ecosystem. They talk about helping to connect all the resources available to entrepreneurs, and the breaking down…

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In the Arena: Paige Clausius-Parks, RI Kids Count

A woman is sitting in a living room, smiling happily.

Each week Joe Paolino, Jr. interviews leaders in Rhode Island. This week he interviews Paige Clausius-Park, the new Executive Director of RI Kids Count. They discussed policy impacting the state’s children, advocacy, data, and initiatives that will be in the forefront in the near future. RI Kids Count produces the RI Kids Fact Book, a…

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