Matt Sheaff — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Matt Sheaff has become the 'message man' for Dan McKee’s administration.

He is the go-to person to get an answer to a question, and he is a pro at building a communications strategy for the Governor.

The former Communications Director for  Commerce RI under Governor Gina Raimondo has been a key part of McKee’s office.

He is no rookie or former newspaper reporter trying to learn the business — he is an experience communications pro.

His career includes serving as Senior Communications Advisor to the Office of Head Start for Health and Human Services under the Obama administration, and then senior communications roles in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Sheaff served as Director of Communications for the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development under Governor Deval Patrick, and he also served as Director of Communications for the Office of the Massachusetts State Treasurer. Well-versed in politics, he worked in New Hampshire on a Presidential campaign.

Sheaff has become an inspiration for those battling health issues — having faced major challenges, he now is a regular marathon runner, raising money for nonprofits. 

For his skill, success and energetic effort to overcome obstacles, Sheaff made a difference in 2022.

David Neeleman — 22 Who Made a Difference

The CEO of Breeze Airways is perhaps the most successful airline executive in flight history -- and Breeze is helping to drive the expansion and growth at Rhode Island International Airport.

Breeze now constitutes more than 25% of the direct flights out of Rhode Island, and that is expected to grow -- and grow significantly -- over the next few years.

Breeze CEO David Neeleman has founded five commercial airlines: Morris Air, WestJet, JetBlue Airways, Azul Brazilian Airlines, and Breeze Airways. Along with Humberto Pedrosa and Aigle Azur, he owned 45% of another commercial airline in Europe, TAP Air Portugal.

He and Breeze are bringing hundreds of jobs to Rhode Island.

Maybe, more importantly, Breeze is bringing significant business and tourism opportunities to the region -- for the first time, Rhode Islanders will be able to fly directly to Los Angeles.

Neeleman is changing Rhode Island’s travel opportunities and, in turn, growing our economy.

Kate Nagle — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

She is the comeback kid in 2022.

GoLocal’s New Editor, Kate Nagle, faced pain and trauma.

In the summer of 2021, Kate Nagle was run down by a motorcyclist going in excess of 50 miles an hour. He left her for dead on the side of the road.

She came close to death when her head hit the granite curbstone after flying through the air. Her leg was broken in two places, including a compound fracture.

Nagle faced surgery and a year of rehab, and she now has a 5-inch metal plate in her leg and more than 15 screws in her leg and ankle.

But, 13 months after being nearly killed, she completed a 5k race

The former D-I, All-Ivy athlete fought back.

Now, she is back, helping to lead one of Rhode Island’s top news organizations.

Her reporting helps to unveil cold cases, uncover corruption, and trumpet Rhode Island’s successes — startups, artists, chefs, and much more.

In a time when journalists are leaving the industry, Nagle fought back to return to her passion.

Dylan Field — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Dylan Field is 30 years old, and sold his company Figma to Adobe for $20 billion in 2022.

Yes, billion. 

Field was admittedly an unremarkable high school student until he found robotics and then set his sights on the University of California - Berkeley but was rejected and attended Brown University.

While at Brown, according to the Wall Street Journal, “Field applied for a fellowship run by the billionaire financier Peter Thiel. The fellowship, then not particularly well-known, offered applicants $100,000 in no-strings-attached funding if they agreed to drop out of college to pursue entrepreneurial aims. He pitched new software to modify drones to monitor traffic and catch reckless drivers."

Field was accepted for the fellowship and left Brown. The University wrote about him in 2012, "Field, a computer science-mathematics concentrator at Brown, will receive $100,000 on the condition that he not attend school for two years. He has arranged for a leave from Brown in order to develop ideas that will improve creative tools on computers."

The drone company crashed, but his next idea, Figma, is now a tech legend.

So just what does Filed's brainchild company do?

"Figma connects everyone in the design process so teams can deliver better products, faster," according to the company. 

Field will not be the only winner in this, but he will be insanely wealthy at 30.

"Mr. Field, according to investors and others who know him, still owns a sizable chunk of the company, along with venture-capital heavyweights including Sequoia Capital and Greylock Partners. If the deal closes, Mr. Field would be a billionaire," according to the Wall Street Journal.

Liz Catucci — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Liz Catucci has been a bit of a change agent in transforming the largest business group in the northern part of Rhode Island.

She was named President and CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce in September of 2019.

Functionally, she had six months at the helm before COVID hit, and then much of her effort was helping companies find funding sources and programs to help them keep their lights on.

Prior to taking over for the long-time CEO John Gregory, she served as a board member since January of 2016.

Since COVID began to subside, she has been out telling businesses stories.

As President/CEO, she directs internal operations and is charged with getting the message out - everywhere.

And, the organization is developing deep relationships at the State House and beyond — both with local communities and at the federal level.

She pushes efforts to shop locally and has elevated the Women’s Business Council of the Chamber.

Catucci is involved in Providence College alumni activities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, United Way Community Advisory Board, the Stadium Theater Foundation, and the Twin River Advisory Council.

She is everywhere.

In 2022, she made a difference for the business community and Rhode Island.

Lt. Michael Casey — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Lt. Michael Casey was the State Trooper who initiated the investigation into contaminated soil dumped in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Rhode Island.

The dumping by the lead contractor of the 6/10 project — Barletta Heavy Division — took place under the supervision of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

As a result of Casey’s work, the story of the contamination was unveiled by GoLocal.

Superiors at the State Police threatened Casey with insubordination for investigating the dumping.

Casey’s efforts directly led to actions by the U.S. Attorney.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management enforcement action on the contamination being dumped next to families and businesses is pending before Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.

Neronha has been sitting on the case for months.

Casey also was the Trooper that captured former Major Timothy Sanzi on tape reciting the story of former Lt. Col. Joseph Philbin.

Sanzi said in the call with Casey, “I thought about it the other night, and I was like, I can’t believe I didn’t...I forgot all about this, but I think it was like 2012 or 2013. It was around that time, one night I get, I’m sitting in my house, and I get a fucking absolutely panic phone call from Joe [Philbin]."

Sanzi said that when Philbin called him, he sounded very intoxicated.

"He was like, I got something to tell you, you can't tell anybody -- and I never did," Sanzi told Casey. "I never told anybody until right now."

According to Sanzi, Philbin told him that "he hit a guy in a bar in East Greenwich. The guy fell down and split his head open on the curb. He thinks -- he thought that he killed him.”

Sanzi, in the call, said to Casey, “Now...I’m sure it happened…I am positive it happened.”

He provided a glimpse into the inner workings of the Rhode Island State Police — it was not pretty. He retired in June.

Casey made an important difference in 2022.

There are important questions that need to be answered in 2023.

OZMA — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Kiara Costa, who creates art under the pseudonym OZMA, inspiration comes in numerous forms and plays out in a variety of media.

Costa’s creative moniker OZMA is borrowed from the name of a fairy queen from Frank L. Baum’s Wizard of Oz series, which the artist read as a teenager. Costa adopted the name originally as a tag when she was experimenting with graffiti and now puts it to use in a broader array of applications, from artworks created on found objects to customized clothing. Reflecting on the name, Costa considers her own multi-faceted identity as an art maker and as a person.

She says, “Ironically, in creating OZMA I’ve sort of become the Wizard character, but behind that curtain, I’m a mother, a sister, a daughter, and friend. Behind the curtain are all the memories I cherish.”

Costa has engaged in partnerships with places ranging from The Dean Hotel, a posh spot in downtown Providence, to Top Shelf Vintage Co., a bohemian retail space in Pawtucket. She is currently participating in an artist residency at the Providence outpost of the Cambridge Innovation Center and is also a member of the inaugural cohort of WaterFire’s Accelerate program for young artists. Her resume is that of an art-maker tipped for success.

But her talent is beginning to be recognized far beyond Rhode Island’s borders with reviews in art hubs like Miami.

Costa’s goals for her artistic practice are ambitious and she outlines them eloquently, saying, “As I continue with art, I hope to also continue to build a sense of community in Rhode Island and beyond. I hope that my art keeps evolving, that I’m able to experiment with new materials and new mediums. Most importantly, I hope to break down any barriers that might keep me; a twenty-something-year-old parent, person of color, without a BFA from selling work in high-end galleries. I want to be persistent, consistent and expand my artistry in a manner that allows me to have the freedom to be an artist full time and create everyday.”

Costa emerged as an artistic force in 2022.

Ed Brady — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Ed Brady, if nothing else, is flexible. The entrepreneur may be Rhode Island’s most clever in his ability to pivot, duck, dive, and thrive.

Brady owns a number of restaurants across southern New England and has big plans.

He took his lumps and came out of the pandemic with an aggressive growth strategy.

Brady and his team are expanding the Thirsty Beaver pub-style restaurants.

Thirsty Beavers are now in Smithfield, Cranston, Foxboro, North Kingstown, and Westerly.

Now, this is where it gets interesting.

Brady, a Cranston guy, buys the Park Theatre — the old movie house that has gone through numerous reinventions.

He kicks off the relaunch and gets hit with major flood damage.

Brady, lickety-split, cleans up the mess and is off to the races.

We give this entrepreneur, restaurateur, and showman a big tip of the top hat.

Steve Ahlquist — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Steve Ahlquist is part advocate and part journalist. The leader of the progressive website Uprise RI has broken important stories and confronted decision-makers.

On Wednesday, four of the website’s top five stories were on the issue of homelessness. He is diligent about a range of human rights issues. 

Don't expect a story about the latest on the new restaurant, but Ahlquist will try to single-handedly chase down all the players on a labor or civil rights issue.

In recent weeks, Ahlquist has been highly critical of the State government's homelessness policies.

"The Administration of @GovDanMcKee has an unofficial policy regarding questions that might be hard to answer, embarrassing or about practices and policies that bump up against legal issues. They simply ignore you," he recently Tweeted.

He plays an important role in the journalism ecosystem in Rhode Island.

Ahlquist often reports on issues for the voiceless. There is no advertising revenue to be made on the topics he covers. Leaders in both parties often ignore the folks Ahguist writes most often about.

Jill van Leesten —  22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

By day, Jill van Leesten is the Program Director for the CORES program at Justice Assistance.

Overseeing all clinical, case management, community health and services, van Leesten helps those who are involved in the judicial process and trying to transform their lives.

She is the woman who quietly works behind the scene to make things happen.

When GoLocal first proposed naming the Providence Pedestrian Bridge in honor of her late father, Michael, it was van Leesten who skillfully put together the movement to ensure it became a reality. This fall, the bridge's new name was formally dedicated.

That is her skill. 

She has a lifetime of work to help those most in need. 

Her resume includes Program Director for ‘Breakthrough Atlanta at The Lovett School’ in Georgia, Field Supervisor for ‘Communities in Schools of Atlanta’, and Director of Program Operations for the ‘Bill and Melinda Gates Performance Learning Center with Communities in Schools of Georgia.’ 

And since she returned to her native Rhode Island, she has served as Director of Recruitment for College Unbound, and Social Service Director for Amos House.  She also worked with the Amos House Rhode Island Reentry Collaborative.

Her work and effort for others never seem to stop.

She has been a Youth Facilitator for the International Black Summit, IBS radio show host, and the host of her own Blog Talk radio show called Who Motivates the Motivated. She is the Secretary for the VSU New England Alumni Chapter, Committee Member for Juneteenth RI, Board Member for South Side Elementary, and she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Theta Phi Omega Chapter in RI.

Her selflessness and quiet leadership is a guide to all of us. She is a woman who made a difference in 2022.

Jennifer Stewart —  22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Jennifer Stewart was one of the brightest stars of the progressive movement during the 2022 election cycle.

The left-leaning effort, via the Political Cooperative, fielded about 40 candidates for office, and few were successful.

One of their wins was Jennifer Stewart, who is the State Representative-elect in District 59.

She beat incumbent Jean Philippe Barros, a favorite of Speaker Joe Shekarchi.

Stewart told GoLocal over the summer that the biggest political issue in Rhode Island right now is instability in housing, particularly for renters.

"The median sale price of homes in Rhode Island continues to rise, dramatically outpacing the ability of many people to buy homes. At the same time, higher sales prices can incentivize owners to sell their property, leaving renters vulnerable to double-digit rent increases they cannot afford as new owners bring rents up to current market rates. Both homebuyers and renters struggle to limit housing costs to 30% of their income," she said. "This is a crisis that introduces uncertainty and instability into people's lives and can force people to choose housing over healthcare and food. It amplifies and worsens problems elsewhere in society. Housing advocates estimate that one in three Rhode Islanders can’t afford rent and that over 1,300 people are unhoused."

She grew up on the South Side of Chicago, raised by her mom with the help of her grandparents. She earned degrees from the University of Chicago in political science.

And she told GoLocal, “My inspiration is Civil Rights Movement activist Fannie Lou Hamer. Her work on behalf of desegregation and voting rights, along with her leadership in the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to ensuring that everyone can live with dignity in the United States.”

The upset winner who beat the machine. She is one who made a difference in 2022.

Lisa Baldelli-Hunt — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Reversal of fortune and reversed again. In the course of two months, Lisa Baldelli-Hunt was Mayor of Woonsocket, removed from office by the city council, and then she was re-elected mayor.

Follow this timeline:

In September, Woonsocket City Councilor filed a petition to remove Mayor Lisa Baldelli Hunt from office. 

In a 14-page complaint filed with the city on September 6, Councilor Denise Sierra alleged that Baldelli-Hunt violated a number of provisions of the City Charter.

Sierra alleged — along with documentation — that Baldelli-Hunt submitted a Community Development Block Grant request to the federal government that was not approved by the City Council, in violation of city ordinance. 

In the complaint, Sierra also alleged that Baldelli-Hunt failed to provide monthly financial reports to the council on numerous occasions, violating the Home Rule Charter. 

Sierra also charges Baldelli-Hunt “directed compensation payments to a limited, select group of employees…above and beyond the compensation that was approved and authorized by the City Council via Ordinance or Resolution.”

In early October, the Woonsocket City Council voted to remove Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. 

The action came after the petition was filed in September alleging Baldelli-Hunt was responsible for a pattern of misconduct.

Baldelli-Hunt had called the motion at the time “politically motivated and desperate.” 

At a special meeting that lasted more than 7 hours, the council, on a 3-2 count, voted to remove Baldelli-Hunt. 

Wait, there is more.

On Election Day, she was elected mayor, or was it "reelected?"

Now, the Baldelli-Hunt era returns.

Jared Grasso — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Bryant men’s basketball head coach Jared Grasso coached the team to its first NCAA appearance in 2022. But that success has been overshadowed by a number of incidents.

Both last season and this season, Grasso’s teams have been among the most controversial in college sports. It is turning into a viral video production company.

In March, Bryant basketball made national news for all the wrong reasons.

After an embarrassing fight and poor sportsmanship, TMZ featured Bryant with the headline, “TOPLESS FAN THROWS DRINK ON MAN...In Wild Skirmish At Game.”

Last year’s team featured Peter Kiss.

In that game, the ESPN audience saw the complete lack of sportsmanship by Kiss --  Bryant’s leading scorer -- who taunted and mugged for the TV audience.

Kiss was at his third college, suspended at other times and -- recruited by Grasso.

This season, Grasso’s team was at it again with a brawl and an upset win at Syracuse University.

Supporters call Grasso a “fighter,” “brash” and a “winner.”

Well, one thing for sure is Grasso knows how to make news.

Lisa Guillette — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

It sometimes feels like Lisa Guillette is everywhere.

She is the CEO of Foster Forward — the organization at the forefront of housing, feeding, finding homes, and advocating for children caught in the middle of nowhere.

When money is on the table, she is the best fundraiser, as in when her small organization beat everyone else to 401 CARES dollars last spring.

Other times, she and her team are trying to connect children with families — in safe homes for the short-term or long.

And then, she can be a tough advocate casting the light on a broken system. She called out state leaders for short-selling foster children for their share of federal COVID money.

Guillette was not shy about criticizing tje Rhode Island Education Commissioner for being months behind in completing a report on foster children in the state’s schools.

For the children who have the unfortunate situation of being thrust into difficult situations, they should take some stock in the fact that Guillette is a tireless advocate.

Rhode Island’s children are lucky to have Guillette as one who made a difference.

Disappearing Local Journalists — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Just a decade ago, there were approximately 250 news reporters, photographers, and editors in Rhode Island. And, that was down from more than 400 two decades earlier.

They covered school committees to make sure the chair was not awarding a contract to their brother-in-law. Watchdogs and news reporters were everywhere.

Now, the once mighty Providence Journal is now a ravished shell of itself — often reporting stories days after competitors.

And there were science writers and environmental reporters. Local TV had a multitude of investigative reporters.

Then the corporate giants acquired the papers and stations, and the next quarter's EBITDA was more important than covering Cranston and Warwick.

The pace of slashing has only gotten faster. And, the pace of resignations is at a record pace.

In recent months, the depleted Providence Journal jettisoned its editor David Ng, long-time reporters G.Wayne Miller and Linda Borg, and many others took buyouts or have been let go.

Each of the local television stations has seen major departures in the past two months — Danielle North (Nexstar’s WPRI), Katie Davis (Sinclair’s WJAR), Doreen Scanlon (Standard Media) and many others.

Add to the headcount loss is the fact that the talented veterans with institutional knowledge and sources are being replaced.

In the 1990s, the Providence Journal added a paid short-term program for young reporters — they were called internally "BICs"'— like the pen. The term was applied by veteran reporters with no endearment because, in their minds, the BIC pens were disposable.

Now, many newsrooms are filled with inexpensive junior replacements — here for a short time in an effort to get to a bigger TV market or to land a better-paying PR job.

Lots of "storytelling" and little journalism.

Ted Shallcross — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

The C-suite does not have a lot of turnover at the Amica headquarters up in Lincoln.

The Rhode Island-based insurance company has been known over the years for its top-tier service and a history of corporate conservatism. Up until a decade or so ago, when a male employee left his desk, he needed to don his jacket. Those days are gone. But stability remains.

In June of 2022, Amica announced that Ted Shallcross, the young gun in the leadership of the company, would be taking over for the long-time and much-respected Bob DiMuccio.

Donald Julian Reaves, Amica's Lead Director, said about the appointment of Shallcross at the time, "Ted is the right person at the right time. He has the Board's unanimous support, and we know Amica will continue to thrive under his guidance. Ted brings industry experience, demonstrated leadership skills, a track record of success and extensive knowledge of the company."

And, DiMuccio said: "I've worked with Ted for the past 15 years. During that time, he has shown himself to be a steady, objective and empathetic leader. I fully support his appointment as Amica's next CEO, and look forward to working with him over the next six months as he transitions into his new role. I retire from Amica knowing that the company is led by a Board and CEO who understand its culture and values, and who are ready to face the challenges ahead."

And even before Shallcross officially took over in October, he put his touch on the company — grabbing the naming rights to the Providence Civic Center aka, the Dunk, and now the AMP (Amica Mutual Pavilion).

The state is in desperate need of strong -- and young -- corporate leadership, and Shallcross could be a great contributor.

Rhode Island should be excited about Shallcross, and it looks like he is excited about Rhode Island.

Jeremy Peña — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

It was one of the best feel-good stories of 2022 — that was years in the making. 

Jeremey Peña had moved to Rhode Island from the Dominican Republic, played Little League in Providence, and attended Classical High School -- the state's best public high school.

He was recruited to play at the University of Maine — a school that has produced more than two dozen Major Leaguers. The Peña dream would have been complete with a great D-I experience, but he took the dream to the next level and was a third-round pick in the MLB draft.

Just four years later, as a rookie, he led, and unequivocally led, the Houston Astros to a World Series victory in 2022 — and was named both ACLS and World Series MVP.

Peña returned to Providence in November, where he received a more-than-deserved hometown hero’s welcome. Frank Capra could not have made a better movie. He is a reminder that the American Dream is alive and well in Rhode Island.

With hopefully many years ahead of him in his young career, he is an example to young Rhode Islanders that talent — coupled with hard work — can lead to great things. 

Peña’s success in 2022 was a huge source of pride for Rhode Islanders. We wish him well and look forward to more accolades to come. 

Lauren Lee Malloy —  22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Lauren Lee Malloy is on a mission — to get answers into her mother’s death nearly 30 years ago. 

Despite the original medical examiner’s report ruling the death as "natural," Malloy — armed with another forensic pathologist’s opinion that the case should be reexamined — pursued reopening the case. 

At the time of her mother’s death, reporting officers in the East Providence Police Department noted they believed the death was “suspicious.”

This past June Malloy got the Rhode Island AG’s office to agree to reexamine the case of her mother — Lori Lee Malloy — and in November, a motion was granted to exhume her mother’s remains. 

For Malloy, the case is personal — but also much bigger. 

“I offer my endless thanks to the Court for granting the State’s motion. Thanks also to every single person, group and agency that’s supported this fight. Because of you, my mom is finally getting her fair chance at justice,” Malloy told GoLocal. “Thank you for being her voice and never backing down.”

“I am confident that modern forensic science, technology and investigative methodologies will lead to the answers that couldn’t be found in 1993. Cold cases are no longer ‘unsolvable’ and, as evidence of this fact, I point to the work of Othram, Boston FBI, Massachusetts State Police, Provincetown PD and the Cape and Islands DA’s Office, who recently announced identification of the 1974 'Lady of the Dunes' in Provincetown, Massachusetts, as Ruth Marie Terry,” said Malloy. 

“Cases like Ms. Terry’s should give hope to all our communities,” added Malloy. “I expect my mother’s modern investigation will also lead to conclusive findings and, ultimately, long overdue justice being served.”

“To those involved in my mom’s death and the deaths of other victims, the message is simple – time’s up,” said Malloy. “If you have any information about the events surrounding my mother’s death, I encourage you to call the East Providence Police Department at 401-435-7600. You may remain anonymous. Thank you to those who’ve already come forward.”

Malloy, while focused on her case, continues to shine the light on other unsolved cases that need it.

And for that, she made a difference in 2022 -- and will continue to moving forward. 

Dale Venturini — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

The past couple of years have been the best and the worst for Dale Venturini, the President and CEO of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association.

She led the industry’s comeback from the devastating impact of the pandemic.

The virus first shut down the hospitality sector, and then it was hit by supply-chain issues, spiraling prices for materials, and a dramatic change in the workforce.

Venturini has helped businesses -- small and large -- who did most everything the same way for decades, into flexible and innovative companies that embraced everything from technology to outdoor dining.

The hospitality industry in Rhode Island employs approximately 50,000 of the state's 600,000 plus workers.

It is literally part of the backbone of the state. 

In October, the Italo American Club of Rhode Island honored Venturini as the Person of the Year for 2022.

A well-deserved award for the woman who has worked tirelessly to keep one of Rhode Island's largest industries surviving and thriving.

Steve Feinberg, Trudy Coxe and The Gilded Age — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

It is the most unlikely trio.

Steve Feinberg, the energizer bunny of the Rhode Island Film and Television industry, is a non-stop salesperson for the state.

Add in Trudy Coxe and the Newport Mansions — as she heads The Newport Preservation Society. Coxe was selected in 2020 as one of the greatest living Rhode Islanders for her leadership of both the Preservation Society and Save the Bay.

Then, mix in The Gilded Age.  The American TV drama television series created and written by Lord Julian Fellowes for HBO that is set in New York and Newport during the Gilded Age, the boom years of the 1880s.

Fellowes, of course, is the creator of Downton Abbey.

The Gilded Age was a bit of a hit on the little screen. “‘The Gilded Age’ Hits Series High With Season 1 Finale; Audience Grows 54% From Premiere,” reported Variety.

But the bigger impact was on Newport and the Rhode Island economy.

The show reenergized tourism to the Newport Mansions.

And, with the show in final production now, the second season with air in 2023.

The combo of Feinberg, Coxe, and The Gilded Age was a creative and economic hit, especially for Rhode Island.

Gretel and Glenn McCrory — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

It’s not every day a Rhode Island small business lands a major contract on a world stage. 

In June, Gorilla Gaming, based in Warwick — which has made poker tables for Hard Rock Casinos, Wynn Las Vegas, Encore Boston, and Foxwoods — was busy setting up shop in Las Vegas.

The reason? As GoLocal reported, it was an official table sponsor of the World Series of Poker on the Las Vegas strip. 

Gretel and Glenn McCrory — both from North Kingstown — first met in their twenties and then cut their teeth nearly twenty years ago on running the Eastern Poker Tour in bars in the region. 

While running the free-to-play series, they said they realized they wanted to build their own tables instead of buying them.

Fast forward to 2022, and they were well-established in the global poker world. The company counts Golden State Warrior Klay Thompson and PGA golfer Sergio Garcia among its customers. 

As Glenn McCrory told GoLocal — the sky is the limit for the company in Warwick. 

“How big can we get is a good question,” Glenn McCrory told GoLocal over the summer. “Right now I’m working on turnaround time; currently it’s 6-8 weeks. If we could double staff, I could quadruple output.”

McCrory credits Gorilla Gaming’s website as one of the reasons for its popularity. Customers can choose how they want to customize their tables and see close to real-life renderings of the final product before it goes to production. 

It’s a small Rhode Island business with a big presence — and for that, the McCrorys made a difference in 2022. 

Hospital Bosses — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Timothy Babineau and James Fanale resigned as the respective CEOs of Lifespan and Care New England. The two hospital groups tried an ill-fated merger that was rejected by both federal and state regulators — the Federal Trade Commission and the Rhode Island Attorney General, Peter Neronha.

Both hospital groups recorded massive financial losses in the past fiscal year. Lifespan lost $77 million, and Care New England lost $34 million -- even after selling more than half a dozen properties and parcels in the Jewelry District to Brown University.

Fanale had taken the helm in 2017.

Under Fanale’s tenure, Care New England was in constant distress. He closed Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket. There were a series of failed sales and proposed mergers with South Coast, Partners, and Lifespan. And, his biggest legacy may be the massive losses he piled up.

Care New England’s Kent Hospital was the subject of an investigative story in the Washington Post for its failed response to COVID.

Babineau’s tenure at Lifespan was longer — more than a decade, and there was great hope.

But like Fanale, Babineau’s focus was often on deal-making over healthcare improvement.

Now, new bosses are in place in both hospital groups. Let’s see what the future holds.