Governor McKee Makes Two Appointments to the Rhode Island Life Science Hub Board Published on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee today announced the appointment of Armand Sabitoni and Ernie Almonte to the Rhode Island Life Science Hub board. These appointments fulfill the statutory requirement that the Governor appoint a representative of organized labor and a member of the public who shall be a certified public accountant and a member of the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants. Created in the FY24 RI Ready budget, the Rhode Island Life Science Hub will be the central entity coordinating the organization of life science initiatives on behalf of the State of Rhode Island. “I am pleased to appoint Armand and Ernie to this important board that will drive economic growth and innovation across Rhode Island. I’m confident that their leadership skills and broad experience will help ensure Rhode Island solidifies its position as a national leader in the life science sector for decades to come," said Governor Dan McKee. "I look forward to making additional appointments to the board to help grow our strong team of leaders who will drive this crucial work." Ernie Almonte: Almonte currently serves as the Executive Director of Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns. In 2022, the Secretary of the Army appointed Ernie as the Army Reserve Ambassador for Rhode Island. Ernie spent 16 years as the Rhode Island Auditor General, is a former associate director of the Rhode Island Department of Health and a national partner of RSM US LLP. Ernie has served in numerous positions as chairperson of audit committees including universities, the Department of Defense Audit Advisory Committee at the Pentagon, and as a member of the Government Auditing Standards Committee for the Comptroller General of the U.S. Ernie earned his B.S. in Business Administration and Master's in Taxation from Bryant University. "I am looking forward to helping the State of Rhode Island to become a leader in the life sciences industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to help our state to propel growth and development for the life sciences industry," said Almonte. Armand Sabitoni: Armand E. Sabitoni is a second-generation Laborer, who worked his way from general construction laborer to one of the highest offices of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA). Sabitoni has led the union's effort to strengthen Laborers’ training programs, known by many as among the best adult education programs in North America. Under his many years of leadership, the union instituted apprenticeship and training programs designed to advance Laborers' careers and meet the needs of the industry. A member of Laborers’ Local 271, Providence, Rhode Island, Sabitoni worked as a construction laborer while attending the University of Rhode Island. Sabitoni continued his studies at the New England School of Law in Boston, graduating in 1980. He has been a member of the RI Bar Association since 1980. Sabitoni became General Secretary-Treasurer, LIUNA’s second highest ranking office, on May 1, 2001. He also served LIUNA as New England Regional Manager, representing more than 60,000 members across the six New England states, as well as most of New York State, until he retired from both positions on April 30, 2023. He serves as Vice-Chair of the University of Rhode Island Board of Trustees. “It is an honor to be appointed to the board of Rhode Island Life Science Hub. Together with leaders in business, health care, and education we can unleash our state’s potential to be a competitive player in life science research and development, creating good careers and economic development. I thank and applaud Governor McKee and Speaker Shekarchi for their commitment and vision,” said Armand E. Sabitoni, General Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). The Rhode Island Life Science Hub will facilitate the development of medical advances and scientific breakthroughs with companies who specialize in the fields of medical devices, biomedical technology, medical therapeutic therapies, biogenetics, biomedical engineering, biopharmaceuticals, genomics, and life sciences. Through targeted investments of grants, tax credits, and incentives, the Rhode Island Life Science Hub will fund and incubate Rhode Island-based life science companies that will promote economic and workforce development within the state and allow Rhode Island to successfully compete on the national and international level. In October, Governor McKee nominated Neil Steinberg to serve as Chair of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, Steinberg will lead a board of 15 individuals with experience in health care, higher education, business, economic development, and more. It is also anticipated that the Board will hire a senior-level executive to lead the day-to-day operations. In addition to these two appointments, the Governor will have an additional four appointments to make: one will be a member of a life science trade association, one will be the president or a senior executive of a Rhode Island-based life science company and two will be senior executives of Rhode Island-based life science companies specializing in biomanufacturing.