Governor-elect Raimondo Nominates Michael DiBiase Director of Administration

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor-elect Gina M. Raimondo announced today that she will nominate Michael DiBiase to the position of Director of Administration. Raimondo will submit DiBiase, Fidelity executive and former Chief of Staff to Governor Lincoln Almond, for consideration to the Rhode Island Senate in January for confirmation.

She also appointed Jonathan Womer, former deputy director in the state office of budget management for the governor of North Carolina, to lead the Office of Management and Budget. Womer is currently Associate Vice President for Finance and Economic Analysis for the University of North Carolina system, which has over a $9 billion annual budget across 17 campuses.

“The Department of Administration has a key role in developing the state’s budget, and improving and streamlining government operations and regulations so we can deliver the services Rhode Islanders deserve,” Raimondo said. “By adding Mike and Jonathan to our team, we will be gaining invaluable years of experience in problem solving and producing results as we move our state forward.”

A 14-year veteran of Fidelity Investments, DiBiase currently serves as Senior Vice President for State Government Relations and Public Affairs, overseeing state and local government relations for the financial services company. In this role, DiBiase is responsible for government relations, public affairs and community relations at Fidelity’s ten regional facilities, including Smithfield, Rhode Island, as well as at its headquarters in Boston.

Prior to joining Fidelity, DiBiase served for six years as a senior aide for Governor Lincoln Almond, holding positions of Chief of Staff and Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs.  Before his state government service, DiBiase was a practicing attorney in Providence for over ten years.  A graduate of Boston College and University of Pennsylvania Law School, DiBiase lives in Narragansett with his wife Janice Devitt.

Womer previously served in several capacities in North Carolina state government, including Chief Information Officer, Deputy Director for Management and Assistant State Budget Officer and as an analyst in OMB for the Executive Office of the President. Womer earned a BA from Duke University, a Masters of Science of Information from University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and a Masters of Public Policy from University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.  Womer’s wife, Valerie Baxter Womer, grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island.

“We are excited to add more great people to our team,” said Joy Fox, transition director. “When it comes to personnel, we are focused more on quality than on moving quickly. We are making great progress, but we fully expect to continue filling positions even after Inauguration Day.”

Leave a comment