Foulkes launches transition website seeking feedback and staffers

Want to work for Governor-elect Helena Buonanno Foulkes? Or just have your great idea for improving Rhode Island carried out by her administration? 

Either, or both, are available with a few clicks through separate online submission forms on helenatransition.com, Foulkes’ transition website, unveiled on Thursday. 

The website and accompanying solicitation for ideas and applications for state government work, including for volunteer positions on state boards and commissions, come two days after Foulkes won the three-way governor’s race with a commanding 58% of votes. Results are still preliminary and unofficial.

Throughout her multi-year, multimillion-dollar campaign, Foulkes cast herself as the change agent, pledging to replace Rhode Island’s “know-a-guy” culture with fresh experience, expertise and ideas. 

“Rhode Islanders know what’s working, what isn’t, and what could be better,” Foulkes said in a statement Thursday. “Whether you have a big idea or a simple fix, I want to hear it. We’re building a team to get results for Rhode Island, and the more we hear from people across our state, the better our plans for 2027 and beyond can be.”

The number of comments and submissions for jobs or volunteer positions was not immediately available.

Foulkes, 62, of Providence, has never held elected office before. But her transition team includes several familiar faces in Rhode Island politics, including senior staffers for former Gov. Gina Raimondo.

They include: Executive Director Caitlin Molina, who worked in the Department of Human Services under Raimondo; and Senior Adviser Jon Romano, who advised Raimondo during her time in office, and also served as an adviser for Foulkes’ campaign. RJ Kermes, the deputy director for Foulkes’ transition team, formerly worked as chief of staff for Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera, a vocal Foulkes supporter. Her communications director, Jon Carvalho, previously worked as press secretary for New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell.

Elisabeth Wales and Anthony Aquino will be Foulkes’ public engagement liaisons.

A full transition committee, including additional leadership and staff members, will be announced soon, according to Foulkes’ team. She takes office in January.