Courtney Hawkins Named Director, Rhode Island Department of Human Services
Mayor Jorge Elorza today announced that Kate Sabatini will serve as Providence’s Chief of Policy and Senior Advisor to the Mayor, where she will oversee strategic direction and policy development for the City.
“Kate has shown time and time again, her commitment to Providence and her community through her work in the Solicitor’s Office,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “I believe that her legal background and dedication to a quality public policy will make her a perfect fit for our team and I am excited to work with her in her expanded role in my administration.”
Currently Municipal Integrity Officer and Associate City Solicitor, Sabatini has served as an attorney in the City’s law department since 2012. As an Associate City Solicitor, Sabatini has provided advice and guidance on a variety of complex legal matters to nearly every City department, with a focus on Ethics, Open Government, and Public Safety issues. She has also represented the City in state and federal court, and at both the trial and appellate level. She has served as counsel to the Providence School Board and the City Council’s Committee on Ordinances. In her role as Municipal Integrity Officer, Sabatini is responsible for education, guidance, and training of City employees and officials while serving as liaison to the City and State Ethics Commissions.
“I have been fortunate to work on challenging and diverse issues with a dedicated and fantastic team in the Solicitor’s office,” said Sabatini. “I am honored to take on this leadership role in Mayor Elorza’s administration and look forward to creating meaningful change here in Providence with the Mayor and his team.”
Sabatini received her J.D. summa cum laude from Boston College Law School and her B.A. cum laude from Middlebury College. Prior to her employment with the City of Providence, she served as law clerk to both the Honorable William E. Smith (U.S. District Court) and the Honorable William P. Robinson III (Supreme Court of Rhode Island). Prior to law school, Sabatini worked in Congressman Jim Langevin’s Washington, DC office and at the Center for American Progress, a nonpartisan think tank. Sabatini lives in Providence, serves on the Board of Trustees of Trinity Repertory Company, and serves as Co-Chair of the Local Rules Review Committee of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. She brings a deep understanding of both legislative and legal processes, as well as of the inner workings and operations of city government, along with a passion for public policy and service.
Kate Sabatini will replace Courtney Hawkins, current Chief of Policy, who Governor Raimondo announced will be serving as Director of the Department of Human Services for the State of Rhode Island.
“Working for Mayor Elorza has been one of the great privileges of my career,” said Hawkins. “I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the team in Providence and look forward to our ongoing partnership in service of City residents.”
“Courtney’s dedication is unparalleled and I wish her the best of luck in her role at the State,” added Elorza. “She will be missed here at City Hall but will always remain a part of the Providence community.”
Hawkins last day with the Mayor’s Office will be June 9th with Sabatini transitioning into new her role on July 3rd.