2023 -- H 6505
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
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 1
important, respected and largest philanthropic organizations, has been blessed to be led by Neil 2
Steinberg. Mr. Steinberg is a great leader, innovator, tireless worker and person of great intellect, 3
who has used his vast knowledge and expertise in finance and development to make Rhode Island 4
a better place in which to live for everyone, especially our children and the vulnerable; and 5
WHEREAS, Mr. Steinberg graduated from Brown University with an AB degree in Math 6
and Sociology. He began his distinguished professional career in 1975, when he accepted a 7
position with Fleet Bank (now Bank of America) and in his nearly 29 year tenure with Fleet/Bank 8
of America, rose to the position of Chairman and CEO, and helped to make one of America's and 9
the world's largest banks; and 10
WHEREAS, A proud Brown alum, in 2004, Mr. Steinberg accepted a position with his 11
alma mater, serving as their Vice President for Development and Campaign Director for nearly 12
five years. In recognition of his exemplary service, he was inducted into the Brown Hall of Fame 13
in 2007; and 14
WHEREAS, In August of 2008, when Neil Steinberg was chosen to lead the Rhode 15
Island Foundation as its President & CEO, he stated, "I have been fortunate to have worked for 16
three iconic Rhode Island institutions--Fleet Bank, Brown University and the Rhode Island 17
Foundation. That said, being President and CEO of the Foundation has undoubtedly been the best 18
job I have ever had, and has allowed me the opportunity to work--as hard as I ever have--in 19
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service to the community"; and 1
WHEREAS, Under Mr. Steinberg's sterling leadership, the Rhode Island Foundation's 2
assets have grown by three and a half times, and under his watch, the Foundation has raised more 3
than $600 million in funds and has overseen grant awards totaling more than $700 million 4
dollars; and 5
WHEREAS, In his position with the Rhode Island Foundation, Mr. Steinberg has taken a 6
leading role in our State on a myriad of issues important to Rhode Islanders including education, 7
long-term healthcare, economic development, and has increased the Foundation's commitment to 8
diversity, equity and inclusion. Under his leadership and guidance, the Foundation launched its 9
Equity Leadership Initiative and created two new significant scholarship programs, the Carter 10
Roger Williams Scholarship and the Andrew Scholarship. Rhode Island Foundation Board Chair, 11
Dr. G. Alan Kurose, stated that "Neil has been a transformative leader for the Rhode Island 12
Foundation and for the entire State"; and 13
WHEREAS, Mr. Steinberg has served on numerous civic boards and committees, 14
including as the co-chair of Rhode Island's Race to the Top Steering Committee, the Rhode Island 15
Public Expenditure Council, the Providence Performing Arts Center, the Urban League and as a 16
Trustee of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce; and 17
WHEREAS, Mr. Steinberg has received many awards, honors and accolades throughout 18
his distinguished career. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, the 19
University of Rhode Island President's Distinguished Achievement Award in 2018, the 2013 Paul 20
Crowley Award from the Rhode Island Superintendents' Association, and the David E. Sweet 21
Leadership Award, to name but a few; and 22
WHEREAS, Neil Steinberg lives in Pawtucket with his wife, Genie, and is the proud 23
father of two adult sons, Jason and Eric; now, therefore be it 24
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 25
honors and congratulates Neil D. Steinberg on his retirement from the Rhode Island Foundation 26
on May 31, 2023. We thank him for all he has done to grow Rhode Island's economy, improve 27
education, and foster more opportunity for all Rhode Island residents, and we wish him a most 28
happy and healthy retirement and continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further 29
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 30
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Neil D. Steinberg. 31
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