Governor McKee Announces Nominees to Serve on the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s Board of Directors

Published on Wednesday, January 17, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, Governor Dan McKee announced the nominations of Vincent Masino and James Lombardi III Esq. CPA, to serve on the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s (RIPTA) Board of Directors.

“RIPTA is at a critical juncture as the Board of Directors and organizational leadership look to increase ridership and address financial challenges,” said Governor Dan McKee. “With their strong backgrounds in fiscal and financial management, Vincent and James will be strong additions to the RIPTA Board as we work together to navigate these issues in the short term and position the agency for success in the long term.”

James Lombardi III is an attorney and certified public accountant with more than 30 years of experience in federal and state taxation, which includes an extensive background in the assessment and collection of taxes, budgeting, auditing, and detailed financial report writing.  

Additionally, Lombardi previously served as the Providence City Council’s Chief of Staff, the City's Internal Auditor, and the City’s Treasurer. He leads both the North Smithfield School Committee and the Rhode Island Board of Accountancy. 

“I am honored to be nominated by Governor McKee as a board member of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority,” said James Lombardi III. “I look forward to a vote by the full Senate.” 

Vincent Masino brings a vast background of more than 50 years in Rhode Island organized labor. From his start as a foreman in the City of Providence’s Traffic Engineering Department to most recently serving as vice president of the Laborers’ International Union of North America until August 2022, Masino has risen through the ranks and held various leadership roles across multiple organizations. 

Masino’s career included almost three decades on the board of the Public Service Employees Local Union 1033, more than 20 years as a trustee of the New England Laborers’ Labor Management Cooperation Trust, and more than 20 years as the chairman of the Laborers’ New England Region Organizing Fund. 

“I wish to thank Governor McKee for the nomination to the RIPTA Board and the Senate for their consideration,” said Vincent Masino. “I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to assure that the riding public has a safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation system.” 

The Governor has submitted Lombardi and Masino’s names to the Rhode Island Senate for advice and consent. 

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