Blazejewski Named Tomasso as New JCLS Executive Director

Speaker Christopher Blazejewski selected Lisa Tomasso to lead the legislative agency following the retirement of Henry Kinch.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People

Blazejewski Named Tomasso as New JCLS Executive Director

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Speaker Christopher Blazejewski announced that Lisa Tomasso has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Joint Committee on Legislative Services (JCLS). This personnel change follows the retirement of Henry Kinch, who had held the position since 2021.

Why it matters

The JCLS manages critical administrative functions for the state legislature, making this leadership change a significant shift in legislative operations. The appointment marks a transition in the management of Rhode Island's legislative support systems.

The transition replaces a long-term public servant with an appointee experienced in representing the seventeen hospitals within the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.

The players

Christopher Blazejewski

He serves as the Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives and as chairman of the Joint Committee on Legislative Services.

Lisa Tomasso

She is a former State Representative who previously worked as a vice president at the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.

Henry Kinch

He is a former clerk of the Superior Court and Pawtucket City Council member who served as the JCLS executive director from 2021 until his retirement.

The details

Speaker Blazejewski communicated the transition to state legislators via email. Tomasso brings experience as a former State Representative and a vice president at the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, while Kinch departs after a lengthy career in public service including decades as a court clerk and time on the Pawtucket City Council.

1991 to 1996: Henry Kinch served as clerk of the Superior Court for Washington County.
1996 to 2021: Henry Kinch served as clerk of the Superior Court for Providence and Bristol counties.
2007 to 2011: Henry Kinch served on the Pawtucket City Council.
2011 to 2014: Lisa Tomasso served as a State Representative.
2021: Henry Kinch became the JCLS executive director.

Market Landscape

This leadership shift reflects the ongoing consolidation of administrative oversight within Rhode Island's state legislative bodies. By moving from a veteran court clerk to an appointee with lobbying and legislative experience, the committee adjusts its internal management strategy.

The appointment of a new executive director may alter how legislators and the public interface with the committee's administrative services. Citizens should monitor future legislative procedural updates for potential changes in committee responsiveness or operational efficiency.

The takeaway

Effective legislative support relies on the expertise of the officials managing agency operations. Residents observing these leadership transitions gain insight into how institutional continuity is maintained within state government.