Mayor Smiley has also appointed Wedley Thelemaque as Director of First Source Providence
Monday, May 6, 2024
Mayor Brett P. Smiley today announced Edwin “Ted” Carr as the Director of Economic Development and Erik Scalavino as the Director of Communications. Carr brings a wealth of experience in international trade and business development to the Smiley Administration where he will spearhead initiatives to drive economic growth across all sectors. Scalavino is joining the City of Providence with 30 years of diverse communications expertise in public relations, marketing, media production and journalism. Mayor Smiley has also appointed Wedley Thelemaque as the Director of the First Source program.
“In the past year we have brought together some of the brightest minds in Rhode Island. I am thrilled to continue to build upon the team that will help make Providence the best-run city in the nation,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Ted Carr is an internationally recognized expert in government affairs and economic development, making him the ideal leader to guide the future of Providence’s economic growth. Erik Scalavino’s vibrant history in the communications industry will continue to elevate Providence as the world-class city we know it can be.”
Carr joins the City of Providence with over 25 years of experience in economic development, policy and business development strategy. Most recently, Carr served as an independent consultant and Senior Vice President for Energyzt Development Partners, a global business advisory firm. In that role he led the firm’s economic development and global client activity, advising domestic and international governments, as well as major global companies.
Previously, Carr served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment and prior to that served as Chief of Staff for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, where he played a key role in managing agencies responsible for housing and economic development. Carr holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a BA in Political Science with a concentration in Spanish from Cornell College in Iowa.
“I am enthusiastic to join the Smiley Administration and leverage our collective resources and expertise to ensure Providence thrives as a hub for industry and prosperity for decades to come,” said Ted Carr, Director of Economic Development. “Providence is ready for investment and growth, and together we will strengthen opportunities for our local businesses and all who call Providence home.”
Scalavino brings three decades of communications experience in journalism, public relations and marketing for a major global brand to the role. Throughout Scalavino’s career he has amassed expertise in audio, video, print, digital, broadcast and marketing commutations. Most recently, Scalavino worked as a self-employed writer, editor, and crisis communications consultant where he advised executives worldwide and wrote speeches, press releases, talking points, website content and marketing materials.
Previously, Scalavino worked as a Senior Public Relations Officer at Lifespan and prior to that he served as a senior content producer and lead staff writer for the New England Patriots. Scalavino is a native Rhode Islander and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Boston University.
“I am honored and humbled to be joining this talented group of professionals,” said Erik Scalavino, Director of Communications. “Mayor Smiley is making Providence a top destination to live, work and visit and I am grateful for the opportunity to help communicate the key initiatives and investments the city is making to continue to elevate our local quality of life. I look forward to bringing my decades of versatile communications experience to this administration on behalf of our beloved capital city.”
First Source Director Wedley Thelemaque has served in community outreach roles for Providence’s Housing and Human Services Department and 311 and in this new role will administer the First Source program, which connects Providence residents who are out of work or under-employed to career opportunities.