Providence, RI – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced today that he has appointed Laura A. Pisaturo of Warwick to chair the Rhode Island Parole Board filling the seat vacated by Dr. Kenneth Walker, who resigned effective July 31, 2014. Walker served as a parole board member from 1979-2008 and then was appointed as Chairman in 2008-2014, serving a total of 34 years of service on the Parole Board. Pisaturo, who is a skilled attorney, has more than18 years of experience as a civil litigator and criminal prosecutor.
"Through her work in politics and civic participation, Laura is a strong committed leader and advocate for many issues including children and the LGBT community. She will bring to the Parole Board valuable insight and expertise," Governor Chafee said. "I thank Ken for his service to the State of Rhode Island and for being a valuable Parole Board chair."
Laura Pisaturo, a practicing attorney, serves on the Rhode Island Supreme Court Disciplinary Board, and the Warwick Planning Board. For six years, she was a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association House of Delegates. Her previous work experience includes director of the Rhode Island Children's Advocacy Center, prosecutor for the Office of the Rhode Island Attorney General under Attorneys General Jeffrey Pine, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Patrick Lynch, and as a civil litigator with Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP. A Providence native and Classical High School graduate, she holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island, and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. She has held adjunct faculty positions with both Salve Regina University and The University of Rhode Island. Providence Business News has recognized her in their "forty under 40" for her dedication to community service, as well as achievements in her career. Her community service includes involvement with the Bar Association's Family Court, Criminal, and Civil Bench/Bar Committees, the LGBT Legal Issues Committee and the Warwick Rotary.
The Rhode Island Parole Board is committed to promoting public safety. The Board is authorized by statute (R.I.G.L. § 13-8-1 et seq.) to consider the early release of incarcerated offenders who have been sentenced to be imprisoned for a period of more than six months and who have served not less than one-third of the term for which they have been sentenced. Using structured decision-making, the Parole Board has broad discretion to determine when and if an offender will be released from imprisonment. Annually, the Board promulgates guidelines and a policy statement, which they conscientiously apply to assist in their release decisions.