Governor McKee Nominates New Members to the Rhode Island Board of Education
Published on Tuesday, May 12, 2026
PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor McKee today announced his nomination of four members to the Rhode Island Board of Education: Sandra Cano and Karen Hazard to the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education and Dr. Arthur-Paul Petrosinelli and Alan Tenreiro to the Council on Postsecondary Education.
“I am proud to nominate these qualified and dedicated individuals to build on the momentum already underway,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Together, we will continue to make progress in closing the achievement gap with Massachusetts and ensuring more Rhode Islanders can earn college degrees that lead directly to good-paying jobs.”
Sandra Cano currently serves as the Director of Industry and Corporate Relations for the University of Rhode Island Foundation where she works to strengthen partnerships between higher education, industry, workforce development, and community leaders. Prior to this role, she served as the Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s New England Region, overseeing programs and operations across six states. From 2018 to 2024, Cano represented District 8 in the Rhode Island Senate, where she served as Chair of the Senate Committee on Education beginning in 2021 and became a leading advocate for educational equity, student opportunity, and workforce development initiatives across Rhode Island. Before her service in the Senate, Cano served on the Pawtucket School Committee and later as an At-Large City Councilor in the City of Pawtucket, building a longstanding record of public service dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening communities throughout the state.
“As an immigrant from Colombia and a former English as a second language (ESL) student, I experienced firsthand how education can change the course of a child’s life. That journey inspired my lifelong commitment to education policy and expanding opportunities for every Rhode Island student. I am honored to continue advocating for students, families, and the future of public,” said Cano.
Karen Hazard currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, the President of the Rhode Island Laborers’ District Council and the Business Manager for Laborers’ Local Union 808. Previously, Hazard worked at Laborers’ Local Union 1134 for eighteen years, rising through the ranks of Steward, Executive Board Member, President and Business Manager. Hazard serves on numerous boards and committees including the Executive Board for the Institute for Labor Studies, Co-Chair of AFL-CIO Rhode Island Pride Committee, and the Centers for Justice Board. Karen is the mother of eight children.
“It has always been my honor to serve the citizens of Rhode Island. I would like thank Governor Dan McKee for his consideration. Public service has been my life and I would be honored to continue to do so in this new and exciting role,” said Hazard.
Alan Tenreiro is currently the President of Mount Saint Charles Academy. Before stepping into that role in 2017, Tenreiro served as Principal of Cumberland High School, where he was honored as National Principal of the Year for advancing student achievement, equity, and postsecondary outcomes. Prior to that, he served on the Pawtucket School Committee for 8 years, including as Chair. Tenreiro currently serves as Co-chair of the Rhode Island College Alumni & Foundation Board and recently completed his doctorate in Educational Leadership.
“I am truly honored and grateful to Governor McKee for this nomination. Education has shaped my entire life and career, and Rhode Island has so many dedicated students, educators, and institutions doing important work every day. I look forward to supporting the Board’s efforts to strengthen opportunity and student success across the full K-20 spectrum, while helping encourage stronger alignment and collaboration between our K-12 and higher education systems,” said Tenreiro.
Dr. Arthur-Paul Petrosinelli is currently the Assistant Vice President at Organogenesis. Prior to joining Organogenesis in 2019, Dr. Petrosinelli spent over 24 years in education. During that time, he served in numerous roles ranging from Assistant Superintendent of Johnston Public Schools, Principal of Hope High School, Principal of Roger Williams Middle School, Assistant Principal of Mt. Pleasant High School, and a teacher in the Providence Schools.
“I would like to thank Governor McKee for nominating me to the Council on Postsecondary Education. As a former public school teacher and administrator, I know that workforce readiness doesn't begin at graduation. It is built through a seamless pipeline from PK-12 through higher education. I am honored to join the council to ensure our academic pathways are strategically aligned with the demands of our state's growing industries, creating a clear and accessible route for every Rhode Island student to enter high-impact careers,” said Dr. Petrosinelli.
The names have been submitted to the Rhode Island Senate for advice and consent.