At tonight’s meeting of City Council Committee on Finance, committee members elected Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) to the position of Chairperson. Council President John J. Igliozzi resigned from the chairmanship at a special Council meeting last night after 14 years in the role. Ryan last night also resigned from her post as Majority Leader of the Council, and now takes the top leadership position on one of the busiest Council committees.

“I have great confidence in Chairwoman Ryan’s expertise to successfully lead the Finance Committee at this critical time, as Providence determines how to invest an unprecedented $160 million in American Rescue Plan funds, and simultaneously works to stabilize its pension system,” President Igliozzi stated. “It’s an immense responsibility, and Chairwoman Ryan has the professional background in financial management, and a fine-tuned knowledge of the City’s budget process, finances, and operational systems and structures.”

Ryan has served on the Council since 2015, and in addition to serving as Majority Leader (2019-2021), previously served as Vice-Chair of Finance (2019-2021) and Majority Whip (2016-2019), and also served as chairperson of the Committee on Ordinances for six years.

“The Finance Committee has an extremely full agenda for the remainder of this term, and I am excited to lead us through the crucial, time sensitive decisions the City faces,” Ryan said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my skills, understanding and interest to detailed analysis and deliberation of the City’s fiscal policies.”

The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. See meeting agenda and videoconference information here: https://bit.ly/2RPAlPj