Cindy Coyne

PROVIDENCE — The Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island has hired East Bay resident and former State Senator Cindy Coyne as its new executive director. Coyne starts in the role on July 17.

The Senior Agenda Coalition is "an organization working to create a better state long-term care system for through community organizing and advocacy." Coyne's formal relationship with the organization began earlier this calendar year when she joined its Board of Directors.

“As a four-term State Senator I was proud to shepherd policy changes to better protect our seniors,” said Coyne. “While serving, I came to rely on the valuable information shared and advocated for by the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island. As Executive Director I look forward to leading and promoting its mission of improving the quality of life for Rhode Island’s seniors and those who care for them.”

Coyne is a University of Rhode Island graduate with a B.A. in Economics & Political Science and also holds a B.S. in Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University. From 1985 to 2006 she served as a Rhode Island State Trooper, rising to the rank of lieutenant.

Following retirement from that position she has had a career as a public safety consultant accreditation of public safety and law enforcement agencies nationally and internationally.

Coyne later ran successfully for public office. She served a four-year term on the Barrington Town Council, followed by eight years as a State Senator representing District 32 (Barrington, Bristol, East Providence). In 2021 and 2022 she chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Cindy Coyne assuming the leadership of our cause. She is a highly respected former RI State Trooper, State Legislator, public safety expert and community activist who brings a wealth of leadership ability, political savvy and concern about seniors and their caregivers to this position," said George Neubauer, chair of the Senior Agenda Coalition Board.