Excerpts from the Governor's Media Release on February 16, 2011 

 Providence, RI – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today announced ten appointments to the Board of Governors for Higher Education. The Board will be Chaired by Lorne A. Adrain, a Providence financial executive, philanthropist, and community leader.

“These appointments represent an opportunity to bring to the Board of Governors fresh new thinking and energy to confront the challenges higher education faces in these difficult economic times,” Governor Chafee said. “These individuals represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds and a diversity of perspectives, opinions, and talents. But what they share is a commitment to higher education in the State of Rhode Island – and all of them are determined, as I am, to see our public colleges and universities become national models of success.”

“Over the last several years, funding for Rhode Island’s public institutions of higher education has not only lagged behind other states, but has actually been reduced dramatically,” Governor Chafee continued. “Given this cycle, a dynamic approach is needed, and I have full faith that, under Lorne’s thoughtful leadership, these new appointees will support me in my efforts to develop the strategies and programs necessary to bring significant improvement to our higher education system.”

In addition to Chairman Lorne Adrain, the other appointees are: Joan C. Abrams; Dr. Antonio Barajas; Amy Beretta; William C. Maaia; Eva-Marie Mancuso; Jane B. Sherman; Michael M. Tikoian; John A. Walsh; and Joseph B. White. Thomas Rockett, whose term expires in 2012, will remain on the Board.

William C. Maaia, Esq.

William C. Maaia is an attorney in general practice with William C. Maaia & Associates, the firm he founded.

Maaia earned a BA from Providence College and his JD from Suffolk University School of Law, in addition to Collective Bargaining certification from Rutgers University and Negotiations training from Harvard Law School.

Maaia’s first employment after law school was with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). During his time with RIDE, Maaia served as a labor relations officer, which included work with the Board of Regents, and was project manager for a collaborative of six states that developed comprehensive manuals on fact-finding, mediation, and arbitration in public education. Maaia also served for twelve years on the East Providence School Committee, four as Chairman, during which time he organized the “Blue Print Task Force,” which produced a report – at no cost to the city – identifying significant educational issues.

Maaia has also served as Special Legal Counsel to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission; Legal Counsel to Municipal Water Supply Board; Legal Counsel to Full Channel TV, Inc.; Special Assistant Attorney General for Rhode Island; Special Contracted Legal Counsel to three Rhode Island Attorneys General; Special Lecturer, Community College of Rhode Island; Special Instructor, Providence College; and Instructor of English, Bristol Community College.

Maaia is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, the U.S. District Court, the Rhode Island Trial Lawyers’ Association, the American Arbitration Association, and the Art Clubs of Westport, Massachusetts, and Providence, respectively.