Foulkes transition team opens portal for resident input

Governor-elect Helena Buonanno Foulkes has launched a public portal to gather policy recommendations from Rhode Island residents. The team established helenatransition.com as the central hub for this outreach. The site is now open to the public.

The portal invites feedback from a wide range of stakeholders. Business owners, students, state employees, and general community members can submit their thoughts. The transition team specifically requests ideas for problems that state government can address quickly. This feedback will help the incoming administration set its initial priorities for the first day in office in January 2027.

Foulkes emphasized the value of local knowledge in a statement released with the launch. "Rhode Islanders know what’s working, what isn’t, and what could be better," Foulkes said. She added that the team is building a roster to achieve results for the state. The more input the team receives from people across the state, the better its plans for 2027 and beyond will be.

The website also serves as a recruitment center for state government roles. Individuals interested in serving at a state agency or on a board can upload their resumes through the site. Applications are open to three groups of candidates. These include experienced public servants, professionals considering a move into government, and first-time applicants.

The transition team announced its core leadership staff alongside the website launch. Caitlin Molina will serve as executive director. RJ Kermes will act as deputy director. Jon Romano was named senior advisor. Jon Carvalho will lead communications. Elisabeth Wales and Anthony Aquino will serve as public engagement liaisons.

The incoming administration is still building its full staff. The transition team said a complete transition committee and additional personnel will be announced in the coming days. The current structure is intended to support the new governor as she takes office next year.