People on the Move: PACE-RI Appoints Dr. Nikolopoulos New CMO, Cranston Names Finance Director
Monday, October 24, 2022
GoLocal's People on the Move is an update on new hires and promotions across southern New England. If your organization has an announcement, email it to us at [email protected].
Dr. Nikolopoulos Joins PACE-RI as Chief Medical Officer
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PACE-RI CEO Joan Kwiatkowski announced today that Dr. Nicholas Nikolopoulos, DO, has joined join PACE-RI as chief medical officer. A talented physician, business executive, and leader, Nikolopoulos brings more than a decade of experience as a practitioner to his new position. He joins PACE-RI during a time of rapid growth. In the past year, the non-profit organization has opened a new center and headquarters in East Providence and increased its census by 17 percent.
“Knowledgeable, personable, and mission-driven are three of his characteristics that stand out,” said Kwiatkowski. “We also are inspired by Dr. Nikolopoulos in that he pursued a long-standing dream and attended medical school after a successful nearly 20-year career in business. His unique combination of experiences and genuine joy in practicing geriatric medicine make him the right medical leader for PACE at this time.”
As CMO, Nikolopoulos, serves as a member of the PACE-RI executive management team and is responsible for providing medical direction and supervision of primary care and allied health services. Nikolopoulos oversees quality improvement through the development of protocols, education, and best practices.
Nikolopoulos previously worked as a physician with Oak Street Health, South Shore Medical Center, and Prima Care. He received his degree in osteopathic medicine from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Kent Hospital. Nikolopoulos is certified in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts and served six years on the board of directors of the Rhode Island Society of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. He is a member of the board of directors and vice president of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket.
Nikolopoulos resides in Pawtucket with his wife, Stacey.
Cranston Names Finance Director
Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins has welcomed Thomas Zidelis as Cranston’s new Finance Director who begins his new duties on October 17th.
“I am very pleased to welcome Tom Zidelis to city hall as he joins my administrative team to work with us on the critical duties of Finance Director. Tom brings a wealth of experience to the position and will be invaluable as we move forward with our plans to maintain Cranston’s strong financial posture,” said Hopkins.
Zidelis’ most recent public finance experience was in a lengthy finance career for the City of Worcester, Massachusetts. His tenure in Worcester spanned some thirty-two years in various capacities as Treasurer, Collector of Taxes and finally Chief Financial Officer. After retiring in 2020, Zidelis worked in municipal consulting before agreeing to join the Hopkins administration.
“Tom’s wide breath of experience will serve Cranston taxpayers extremely well in the day-to-day financial administration of the city but also helping to plan for and succeed in our future economic challenges.”
“Tom Zidelis brings a keen understanding of public finance, will bring a fresh approach and has worked with rating agencies on public finance issues. Together we will keep Cranston going in the right direction with a sound long-term financial plan.”
Hopkins noted that in the Spring he had undertaken spending controls and a reorganization of city government which resulted in a reduction of personnel and substantial long-term savings. He stated, “I will work with Tom Zidelis on further budget strategies to enhance our financial health.”
Hopkins emphasized, “As we recover from the pandemic, we are faced with challenging budget times and historic inflation that is impacting our city government just like Cranston taxpayers. Difficult choices and priority spending decisions will continue,” said Hopkins.
The mayor said the new finance director joins an experienced team of division heads and dedicated employees who perform critical functions such as assessment, tax collection, purchasing, auditing and cash management. “Tom will benefit by their institutional knowledge and day to day experience.”
The mayor thanked City Controller Michael Igoe for his service as acting Finance Director since the retirement in April of Robert Strom, Cranston’s former Finance Director.
Ellen Ford Inducted Into Cooperative Credit Union Association Hall of Fame
People’s Credit Union’s former Chief Executive Officer, Ellen Ford, was recently inducted into the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) Hall of Fame. The honor was bestowed upon Ford as part of the Awards of Excellence presentation during CCUA’s 7th annual APEX event at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, on October 13th. As defined by the CCUA, “The Awards of Excellence honor the people who make a difference by their personal embrace of the credit union system and its values and principles - the heroes and ‘credit union legends’ among who set examples for all to follow”.
Ellen Ford worked thirty-seven years at People’s Credit Union, rising from an entry-level teller to serving as President & CEO for her last seventeen years. Under Ford’s leadership, People’s Credit Union doubled in size and implemented significant technological improvements. Ford also contributed to the local and credit union community with her volunteer work serving on the:
• Board of Directors of the Robert Potter League for Animals
• Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Community Depository Advisory Council
• Board of Directors of the Credit Union Association of RI for 10 years as Treasurer, Vice Chair, and Chair
• Cooperative Credit Union Association Board of Directors as member and Chair
• Credit Union Legislative Action Council Trustee for Rhode Island
“On behalf of everyone at People’s Credit Union, a sincere congratulations to Ellen on her recognition. It is well deserved and we’re so happy for her,” stated Sean Daly, President & CEO, People’s Credit Union. “We are so thankful that Ellen was here to lead the organization’s growth and impact on the community for as long as she did,” Daly added.
“Ellen Ford is one of a kind and People’s owes her an incredible debt of gratitude for all of her service to the Credit Union and beyond,” further offered Dr. Christopher S. Ottiano, MD, Chair, People’s Credit Union Board of Directors.
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- People on the Move: PACE-RI Appoints Dr. Nikolopoulos New CMO, Cranston Names Finance Director
