Mayor Angel Taveras Appoints Johanna Harris to Providence’s Board of Licenses

Mayor Angel Taveras Appoints Johanna Harris to Providence’s Board of Licenses Accomplished attorney and business owner with long record of civic engagement, Harris is committed to “weighing all decisions in a manner that best positions our Capital City to prosper” PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Angel Taveras has appointed attorney Johanna Harris to serve as a member of the city’s Board of Licenses. “I am very pleased that Johanna Harris has agreed to serve on the Board of Licenses. Ms. Harris is an accomplished attorney who is committed to our community and brings valuable expertise to the important work of the License Board. I have no doubt that she will serve with distinction,” Mayor Taveras said. Harris, an employment law expert, is CEO of Providence-based Hire Fire and Retire LLC and the author of a book, “Use Protection: An Employee’s Guide to Advancement in the Workplace.” She previously worked as senior counsel at State Street Bank. Early in her career, Harris worked as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Labor. She specializes in employment matters involving investigations of fraud, falsification of records, bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination and unfair treatment, and how to perform effective background checks. Outside of her practice, Harris serves on the board of directors for the Friends of Fox Point Library; as co-chair of the board of Preserve Rhode Island, a statewide historic preservation organization; and serves on the strategic planning committee for the Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum in Providence. She has previously served on the boards of Waterfire Providence and the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. “The Board of Licenses plays a vital role in supporting economic activity, ensuring public safety and preventing public nuisance in Providence,” Harris said. “I look forward to serving and am committed to weighing all decisions before the board fairly and in a manner that best positions our Capital City to prosper.” The five-member Board of Licenses hears applications and violations regarding more than 8,000 licenses issued by the City of Providence every year, including nightlife operations, liquor licenses and food dispensing. The License Board office is assigned two police officers that conduct inspections of liquor licensed establishments and oversees two civilian inspectors for enforcement of all other licenses. Mayor Taveras has transmitted his selection of Harris to the Providence City Council for approval. Harris received her law degree from Villanova University Law School and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives on Providence’s East Side.