Providence, R.I. – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced today that Sandra M. Powell, former Director of the Department of Labor and Training (DLT), is his choice to lead the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS).
“Sandra Powell’s depth of experience in state government, her ability to effectively develop and articulate policy, and her great intelligence were all factors in my decision to ask her to be the next Director of DHS,” Chafee said. “I expect that she will be a significant help to Steven Costantino in ensuring a healthier Rhode Island.”
“Sandra Powell’s broad and respected policy acumen, along with her ability to run a large scale department focused on serving the public make her a perfect fit for the Department of Human Services,” Costantino, Chafee’s choice for Secretary of the Office of Health and Human Services, said. “Sandra is well versed in the operation of state government and has great experience in connecting the public to benefits and services. I am confident that Sandra will be able to use her DLT experience to hit the ground running and begin to make positive changes."
Sandra Powell formerly served as Director of the RIDLT, where she oversaw workforce development, workforce safety and regulation, labor market information, unemployment insurance, temporary disability insurance and worker’s compensation programs for the state.
Over the past two decades, Powell worked in progressively senior positions at the RIDLT. As Director, she focused on strategies and collaborations to update the skills of workers to meet the needs of Rhode Island’s changing economy.
Powell has served on a number of boards, including the United Way Skill Up Rhode Island Steering Committee, the Northern Rhode Island Tri-Community Economic Development Initiative, the Cranston Economic Development Workgroup, as well as the Beacon Mutual Insurance Company board of directors. Powell holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. A lifelong Rhode Island resident, Powell was born in Providence and graduated from Classical High School.
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services works hand-in-hand with other resources in Rhode Island to offer a full continuum of services for families, adults, children, elders, individuals with disabilities and veterans. Its goals are as follows:
Families are strong, productive, healthy and independent; Adults are healthy and reach their maximum potential; Children are safe, healthy, ready to learn and reach their full potential; Elders and individuals with disabilities receive a full continuum of services to enhance their quality of life; Veterans are cared for and honored.