Rhode Island FC Hires Lou DePaoli as President

The veteran sports executive joins the club to lead business operations in Pawtucket.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People

Rhode Island FC Hires Lou DePaoli as President

Live Poll

Do you believe local professional sports venues provide a net benefit to your community?

Rhode Island FC has named Lou DePaoli as its new president of business operations, ending an interim period led by Declan Bolger. DePaoli brings over 30 years of sports industry experience to the Pawtucket-based team.

Why it matters

DePaoli moved from his previous role in executive search and team consulting to oversee the team's operations, signaling a strategic shift toward direct venue and club management. He replaces Declan Bolger, who had served in the interim role since July 2026.

Centreville Bank Stadium features a 10,500-seat capacity and cost $130 million to construct. The facility currently hosts approximately 50 events annually.

The players

Lou DePaoli

He is the newly appointed president of business operations for Rhode Island FC with three decades of industry experience.

Declan Bolger

He served as the interim president of the club beginning in July 2026.

Prodigy Search

This firm was hired by the club to manage the executive recruitment process.

Rhode Island FC

This is a professional sports organization based in Pawtucket that operates out of Centreville Bank Stadium.

Rhode Island Breakers

This team is scheduled to host games at the club's stadium beginning in 2027.

The details

Prodigy Search assisted the club in the recruitment process, selecting DePaoli to handle the business side of the organization. He will oversee operations at the stadium, which currently hosts Boston Legacy FC and is scheduled to house the Rhode Island Breakers in 2027.

July 2026: Declan Bolger began his role as interim president.
October 26, 2026: Rhode Island FC announced the hiring of Lou DePaoli.
Late November 2026: The Rhode Island Lights Festival begins at the stadium.
Early January 2027: The Rhode Island Lights Festival ends.
2027: The Rhode Island Breakers are scheduled to begin play at the stadium.

Market Landscape

The appointment of a permanent president centers on maximizing the utility of the $130 million Centreville Bank Stadium. By bringing in a seasoned executive, the club positions itself to better compete for regional event bookings against other area venues.

Fans and local event attendees can expect consistent management oversight at the stadium as the venue prepares to host the Rhode Island Lights Festival. The transition ensures the facility continues its schedule of approximately 50 annual events under new leadership.

The takeaway

The addition of a full-time president indicates that the organization is focusing on scaling its commercial presence in the region. Readers should look for potential increases in stadium event variety as the club utilizes its new leadership to boost annual venue utilization.