Providence, R.I. – In a move that underscores Mayor‑elect David Morales’s commitment to making the capital city more affordable and safe for working families, the transition team revealed two key appointments on Monday.
Jennifer Wood named Chief of Staff
Morales selected Jennifer Wood to serve as his Chief of Staff. Wood previously led the Rhode Island Center for Justice, where she championed initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable residents and strengthening community safety. “We ran on a promise to make Providence a city that working families can afford and feel safe calling home. I asked Jenn to serve as my Chief of Staff because she has spent her career fighting for the very people we are determined to serve,” Morales said in a statement.
Krystle Lindberg appointed city CFO
Krystle Lindberg will step into the role of Chief Financial Officer. Lindberg has been with the city’s finance department since 2015 and was promoted to deputy finance director in 2020. Her long‑standing experience with municipal budgeting and fiscal management positions her to help the administration navigate the city’s financial challenges while protecting essential services.
Focus on families and fiscal responsibility
The appointments come as Morales prepares to take office in January 2025. His campaign platform emphasized lowering the cost of living, expanding affordable housing, and improving public safety. By bringing in seasoned professionals with backgrounds in justice advocacy and municipal finance, Morales signals a pragmatic approach to delivering on those promises.
City officials noted that Wood’s experience with the Rhode Island Center for Justice will be valuable in shaping policies that address crime prevention, community outreach, and equitable law enforcement. Meanwhile, Lindberg’s deep familiarity with the city’s budget process is expected to aid in responsible spending, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
Community reaction
Local business leaders and neighborhood groups have welcomed the selections, citing the need for steady leadership during the transition period. “Having people who understand both the financial side and the community impact is exactly what Providence needs,” said Maria Santos, president of the Downtown Providence Business Association.
Morales’s administration is expected to roll out its first set of policy initiatives in the coming months, focusing on rent stabilization, public‑safety enhancements, and infrastructure improvements. The new Chief of Staff and CFO will play pivotal roles in shaping those proposals and guiding them through the city council.
Next steps
Both Wood and Lindberg are slated to begin their new duties immediately, working closely with Morales and senior city staff to finalize the incoming administration’s agenda. Their appointments will be formally confirmed at the upcoming city council meeting, where council members will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input.
As Providence prepares for a new chapter under Mayor‑elect Morales, the focus remains on delivering tangible results for families, safeguarding neighborhoods, and maintaining fiscal prudence.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
