Governor Chafee nominates Scott Rabideau and Vince Watchorn to the Rhode Island Judicial Nominating Commission

Providence, RI – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced today the nominations of Scott Rabideau of Pascoag and Vince Watchorn of Providence to the Judicial Nominating Commission filling the seats vacated by Alexander Biliouris and D. Faye Sanders respectively.

«As leaders in their fields, Scott and Vince will bring to the Judicial Nominating Commission valuable insight and perspective.» Governor Chafee said. «I thank Alexander and Faye for their willingness to serve the citizens of the State of Rhode Island.»

The Judicial Nominating Commission is charged with screening applicants for vacancies on all of Rhode Island’s courts. Upon notification of a judicial vacancy, the Commission advertises for interested candidates, who then complete an extensive application. The Commission then selects candidates to be interviewed, solicits public comment, and conducts background checks. Based on the information developed throughout this process, the Commission votes and submits to the Governor a list of 3-5 highly qualified individuals for each vacancy. The Commission was created by statute in 1994 and comprises nine Rhode Island residents, of which five are lawyers. By statute, the Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and various legislative leaders. All Commissioners serve as volunteers.

The Honorable Scott Rabideau: Rabideau is currently President of Natural Resource Services (NRS) and has held positions with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and the United States Department of Agriculture, and served as a member of the Rhode Island General Assembly. He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Science and a Master of Science in Business Management. His community involvement includes serving on the Burrillville Land Trust.

Vince Watchorn: Watchorn is presently Head of School at The Providence Country Day School and has also held the position of Associate Head of School at The Ellis School in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Muhlenberg College and Wilmington University. His community involvement includes service as a current member of the French-American School of Rhode Island, Head of School Evaluation Committee.