NORTH SMITHFIELD – Newly elected officials took the oath of office in North Smithfield Sunday night, with town boards selecting from their ranks leadership for the next two years.
Kimberly Alves will serve a second term as president of the Town Council, with newcomer Rebecca DeCristofaro elected to serve as her vice. The top vote-getters in a ten person race in November, the pair was selected to lead the five-member board during a brief reorganizational meeting after the swearing in ceremony, held in the auditorium of North Smithfield High School.
On the School Committee, Terri Bartomioli was named chairperson, taking the place of former member James Lombardi, who did not seek reelection in 2024. Jean Meo will remain vice chairperson following unanimous vote by her fellow committee members at the event on Sunday, Dec. 1.
“We have a wonderful school system,” said Bartomioli, a former town councilor elected to the school board in 2022. “We excel in many areas and we are proud of our administration, our staff, our families and especially the accomplishments of our students.”
Bartomioli will lead a committee that includes new members Christopher Simpkins and David de la Cruz, who secured their seats in the election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
“I think we will work well together to continue to move forward with our goals, and to continue to make this community proud,” she said of the board.
Retired Major General Reginald Centracchio, the former commanding general of the Rhode Island National Guard, performed the inaugural swearing in, with former Town Administrator Linda Thibault serving at master of ceremonies.
“My greatest memories are right here in North Smithfield,” Centracchio said, noting that he served as commanding officer for Nike missile site located in town. “This was my second home for quite some time.”
Alves cited her board’s achievements over the past two years, including hiring of firm SignalWorks to advance improvements at the North Smithfield police station.
Of Gibbs, she said, “I was very impressed with the way he ran his campaign – with honesty and integrity. I look forward to working with hime and benefitting from his leadership as we strive to move forward.”
Alves welcomed new members DeCristafaro and Councilor David Punchak.
“It’s time to focus on the work we were elected to do,” Alves said. “I look forward to the journey, and I’m confident we can overcome any challenges and make great strides.”
The event also marked an official passing of the torch from former town leader Paul Zwolenski to newly elected Town Administrator Scott Gibbs.
“It is with pride and gratitude that I stand before you tonight to transfer the reigns of administrative duties for our beloved town,” Zwolenski told the crowd in attendance on Sunday. “Serving as your town administrator has been a profound honor and humbling journey.”
“I am confident that the progress we have made will serve as a foundation for even greater achievements,” Zwolenski said.
Gibbs secured his four year term for the town’s top office in a race against Elizabeth Newberry, ultimately winning by just 69 votes.
“I am incredibly humbled to be elected this town’s administrator,” Gibbs said. “Beth worked incredibly hard and there is nothing that earns my respect more than hard work.”
Gibbs also had warm words for former administrator Zwolenski and his wife, Norine Zwolenski.
“Thank you very much for your kindness, for your openness… for your civility as part of this transition,” he said.
“To the women and men who work for the administration: I am committed to earning your trust and your respect,” Gibbs continued. “I will lead by example embracing the principals of respect, communication, collaboration and professionalism. I look forward to working with you to make this the best Town Hall in the state of Rhode Island.”
Gibbs noted that resident Gail Berlinghof recently gave him a money clip marked with the town insignia that belonged to her late father, former Town Administrator Arthur Denomme, who he described as a “stoic leader, the consummate professional.”
The gift, Gibbs said, will stay in his pocket throughout the coming four year term to remind him, even when things get tough, “to be a gentleman, and be a professional.”
Wonderful gesture Gail! You are a class act.
Than you Jason!