CRANSTON, R.I. – January 4, 2007 – A.T. Wall, II, director of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard J. Frechette of North Smithfield, R.I., as Interdepartmental Project Manager for Statewide Prisoner Reentry, effective January 7, 2007.
As RIDOC’s Chief Financial Officer since 1989, Frechette has been responsible for overseeing a $192+ million operating budget. He brings a strong skill set including the ability to understand the relationship between program planning and performance measurement. He has expertise in coordinating multidisciplinary teams focused on a common mission. In addition to 26 years of state service in the financial arena, his career began in social program development – serving with the United Way of Southeastern New England and the Urban League of Rhode Island.
Frechette has been a member of various volunteer organizations promoting restorative approaches to justice and makes presentations to community groups about community involvement in the criminal justice process. He is co-founder and coordinator of the volunteer community organization (RI-VORP) that facilitates dialogues between victim, offender, and supporters and explores the harm done and solutions to make it right. He holds a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Rhode Island College and a B.A. in Sociology from URI. The Rhode Island Department of Corrections has been actively engaged in prisoner reentry work for the -more- Richard Frechette appointment, p. 2
last five years. Efforts continue to gain momentum and to expand beyond the prisons’ walls into the larger community. According to Director Wall, “This position will enable us to organize and integrate the many projects underway and will supply high-level policy development and analysis in connection with this multi-faceted program.” After an extensive search, we are confident that we have found the ideal person to lead those efforts in Richard Frechette. He will report to Assistant Director of Rehabilitative Services Roberta Richman.
Among the specific tasks Richard will be charged with in this new role are: • Coordination of the Governor’s Prisoner Reentry Steering • Committee and its three tiers. • Coordination with the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office to implement the Justice Reinvestment initiative, a cornerstone of our reentry efforts. • Strengthening of partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies to improve services for former inmates and their families.
Identification and application for funding opportunities to enhance the state’s efforts to reduce recidivism. “Under Richard’s leadership,” notes Director Wall, “I am confident that we will deliver on our intentions and remain at the center of one of the most promising developments in correctional policy in a generation.”