Mayor Elorza Announces Matthew Shumate to Serve as Deputy Chief of Staff

Joe Lazzerini to Serve as Director of the Mayor’s Center for City Services

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today announced today Matthew Shumate will serve as his Deputy Chief of Staff.

«Matt has been a dedicated and hardworking member of our team in every position that he has held,» said Mayor Jorge Elorza. «I’m look forward to working with him and Joe in their new roles, both critical to the day-to-day operations here at City Hall. I am confident that they will both go above and beyond to ensure that Providence is a City that works for all of its residents.»

A Rhode Island native and Suffolk University graduate, Shumate has worked for the City of Providence since May 2015 in different capacities and most recently served as the Deputy Director of Operations & Municipal Liaison to the Providence City Council. Shumate will be replacing Marisa O’Gara who is leaving to attend Cornell Law School. Shumate currently sits on several boards including the Hope Academy, the Economic Progress Institute and the Gordon School Head’s Advisory Council.

In addition to Shumate’s appointment, Joseph Lazzerini was named Director of the Mayor’s Center for City Services. Lazzerini has served as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for Mayor Elorza since February of 2018. Prior to his employment with the City of Providence, Lazzerini served as a Senior Political Organizer with SEIU Local 888. Lazzerini currently serves as the President of Rhode Island Pride.