Providence, RI—The Greater Providence YMCA (GPYMCA) is excited to announce the addition of several distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors. Eight new members were appointed by the full board this week, in addition to three new members onboarded this spring.
“We are thrilled to welcome these accomplished leaders to our board,” said Karen Santilli, CEO of the Greater Providence YMCA. “Their collective expertise and passion for community service will help guide our organization as we continue to expand our programs and impact throughout Rhode Island. Each of these new members brings a unique perspective, and we look forward to working together to further the GPYMCA’s mission.”
Appointed Board Members: May 2024
Melanie Coon
With over 40 years of experience in corporate communications, Melanie Coon has a rich background in strategy, brand management, media relations, and executive communications. Most recently, she served as Managing Director of Corporate Communications at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, where she led multi-channel engagement efforts and strategic initiatives around culture change, diversity, and inclusion. She has also held leadership roles at the Rhode Island Foundation and Brown University, where she developed impactful communications strategies and led alumni engagement efforts.
Dan McGowan
Dan McGowan is a respected columnist for The Boston Globe, covering Rhode Island politics and education. He is also the author of Rhode Map, a daily newsletter that reaches over 125,000 subscribers. McGowan has earned national recognition, including being named by The Washington Post as one of the top political reporters to follow. Prior to joining The Boston Globe, McGowan worked at WPRI-TV in Providence, where he won awards for investigative reporting.
David M. Williams
David M. Williams is a distinguished public health and sociology professor at Brown University. His research focuses on understanding and addressing racial, socioeconomic, and social inequalities in health. Williams is widely recognized for his contributions to the field of public health, particularly in studying the impact of racism and other social determinants on health outcomes. He has authored numerous influential studies and serves as a thought leader in public health policy.
Appointed Board Members: September 2024
Secretary of State Gregg Amore
With over 30 years of public service, Secretary Gregg Amore has been a vocal advocate for education reform and voter access. Before being elected as Secretary of State, Amore served as a Rhode Island State Representative and was an accomplished high school history teacher and coach. His current role focuses on expanding voting access, maintaining the integrity of Rhode Island’s elections, and modernizing the state’s electoral infrastructure. He is also known for his dedication to strengthening civic education throughout the state.
Richard Blockson
Richard Blockson is a highly accomplished sales executive with leadership experience at Rhode Island Media Group and Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages. He has been recognized for driving significant revenue growth and is deeply committed to community service, with honors such as induction into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame. In addition to his professional success, Blockson has long advocated for youth mentorship programs and continues volunteering his time to various community-based organizations.
Angelyne Cooper
Angelyne Cooper is the Executive Counsel at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, bringing over a decade of legal experience in labor law and workforce development. She has advised on significant workforce initiatives and previously served as Legal Counsel for Workforce Development and Associate Judge. Cooper is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. She earned her J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law and has been recognized for her contributions to workforce legal policy reform in Rhode Island.
Donna D’Aloia
Donna D’Aloia is a certified marriage and family therapist with many years of experience. She also provides interventional services for physicians and medical personnel who have had traumatic experiences. D’Aloia is the founding Board Chair of Resilient Kids, Now Center for Resilience as well as a Board member of the Tockwotton Home.
Kevin Gallagher
Kevin Gallagher, a former Senior Advisor to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, has focused on broadband expansion, workforce development, and economic growth strategies at the federal level. He has also held senior leadership roles in the office of Governor Raimondo, where he spearheaded major education and economic development initiatives, including Rhode Island’s first free college tuition program. Gallagher holds degrees from the College of the Holy Cross and Boston College Law School and is passionate about closing the digital divide and creating economic opportunities for underserved communities.
John “Jack” McConnell
Judge John McConnell, the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, was appointed in 2011 and became Chief Judge in 2019. A native of Providence, he holds an A.B. from Brown University and a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Prior to his judicial appointment, McConnell had a distinguished career in private practice, where he was involved in several high-profile cases. His leadership on the bench has been marked by his commitment to ensuring access to justice for all Rhode Islanders.
Patrick McQuade
Patrick McQuade is a Private Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley, where he leads business development for a team managing over $3 billion in assets. In addition to his financial expertise, McQuade is deeply engaged in education, serving as President of the Board of Trustees at Providence Country Day School. He holds advanced degrees from Columbia University and Boston College, and his work has been recognized for fostering leadership and strategic planning in both the financial and educational sectors.
Joseph “Jay” Sabitoni
Joseph M. Sabitoni is the Administrator of the New England Laborers’ Training Academy. He has over 25 years of experience in workforce training, safety, and hazardous materials management. He has held various leadership roles at the academy, including Executive Director and Training Director, and holds a B.S. in Health Service Administration from Providence College. Sabitoni has also been recognized as the 2009 AGC of Connecticut Educator of the Year for his contributions to the field of education and labor training.
“These new board members bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences that will significantly strengthen our ability to serve the community,” said Daniel DaPonte, Chair of the GPYMCA Board of Directors. “As we continue to evolve and meet the changing needs of Rhode Islanders, their leadership will be essential in driving the GPYMCA’s mission forward and ensuring that we remain a vital resource for health, wellness, and community development.”
The GPYMCA looks forward to the positive impact these leaders will bring to the organization, furthering its commitment to fostering stronger communities across Rhode Island.
About GPYMCA
GPYMCA includes six branch locations across Rhode Island and in Seekonk, Massachusetts, in addition to Providence Youth Services and Camp Fuller. The organization provides programs for Rhode Islanders and Massachusetts residents of all ages and supports equitable access to health, fitness, recreational, and other services. In addition, GPYMCA supports high-quality out-of-school time programs and other community-based approaches to delivering health and wellness opportunities, academic enrichment and achievement, and youth development skills.
