Extensive Law Enforcement, Administrative Experience
Providence, RI - Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today announced his appointment of Anthony J. Silva, who has more than three decades of law enforcement experience, as Administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Silva was most recently Director of the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy in Lincoln and Deputy Director of the Emergency Management Agency in Cumberland. He previously served as Chief of the Cumberland Police Department and in a variety of positions – including shift supervisor, training and planning officer, public information officer, and community relations officer – with the Lincoln Police Department, where he reached the rank of Sergeant. Silva will replace the outgoing Carole A. Dwyer, who had served as Interim Administrator since December, 2011.
"Over the course of his extensive career in Rhode Island law enforcement, Anthony Silva has established himself as an exceptional and effective administrator and leader," Governor Chafee said. "He has demonstrated success in critical areas such as budgeting, planning and research, policy development, labor relations, and personnel training, relations, and development. All of this valuable experience will serve Anthony well in his new role. I am confident that he will continue the positive changes we have worked hard to institute at the DMV."
"I also want to thank Carole Dwyer for her service to her state and for the fantastic job she has done at the DMV," Governor Chafee continued. "This is a difficult, demanding job, but we would not have been able to make many of our recent improvements without her able leadership."
"I am honored that Governor Chafee has selected me to carry on the exceptional work that has taken place at the DMV," Silva said. "The Governor has been clear about his commitment to improving efficiency and customer service at the DMV, saving Rhode Islanders time and money. This is a mission I believe in and will work to continue. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I accept this role."
Before Governor Chafee took office, it was not uncommon to wait for four to five hours – or more – for a basic transaction. Now, following the Governor's pledge to "fix the DMV," average wait times have been dramatically reduced. The agency has added staff in key areas and put more services – including license renewals – online to maximize efficiency and effectiveness at its branches throughout the state. Additionally, DMV employees have undergone customer service training designed to ensure Rhode Islanders a positive, courteous, pleasant experience at the once-troubled agency. Reports from customers indicate that the training has had dramatic results.
Silva has been a law enforcement educator for 28 years, including as Adjunct Instructor in Criminal Justice Studies at the Community College of Rhode Island. As Chief of the Cumberland Police Department, Silva was honored with the National Highway Safety Administration's 2005 New England Highway Safety Leadership Award and its 1998 New England Champion Award. He also received the Portuguese American Citizens Committee's Community Excellence Award in 2003. Silva earned an Associate's degree from the Community College of Rhode Island, a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Bryant College (now Bryant University), and a Master's degree in the Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University. Silva is a graduate of the Municipal Police Academy, where he was president of his class.