Some four months after the shock resignation of his former chief of staff and one-time law enforcement colleague, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva earlier this week announced in a press release the promotion of one cabinet member and the subsequent hiring of another.

DaSilva has elevated Patricia Resende from his Director of Project Management and Communications to his Chief of Staff in the stead of Napolean Gonsalves, who abruptly left the job in early December of 2023 after spending some three years in the high-ranking job.

'The administration did not issue a public statement on Gonsalves' departure when it occurred, instead responding to media inquiries that the former Pawtucket Police officer, who served on the force there with DaSilva, was leaving for personal reasons. The timing of Gonsalves' exit coincided somewhat with renewed interest into the murder case of Gonsalves' step-son, Jason Lopes, for his alleged involvement in the 2010 killing of Zackary Marshall

Resende has been serving as acting Chief of Staff since Gonsalves left in December. She has also been overseeing the Information Technology Department in the wake of branch director Kelly Ahrens, who also recently submitted her resignation/retirement.

She is an original member of DaSilva's administration, having served since he was formally sworn in as East Providence's first duly-elected mayor in January 2019.

“Our city has been experiencing tremendous growth and we need someone to work with our local organizations and stakeholders and oversee the day-to- day progress of the many projects in our city including the creation of our community center, incubator space, police station renovations, park improvements and so much more,” DaSilva said. “After seeing Patricia’s dedication and service to our community, I am confident she will work with our staff, community and other stakeholders to move our city forward.”

To fill the Project Management and Communications position, DaSilva hired former local television news reporter Matt Paddock.

Paddock most recently was a staff member at WPRI 12, headquartered in city on Catamore Boulevard. Paddock previously worked in several New York markets including Syracuse, Binghamton and Elmira where he was an anchor, producer, multimedia journalist and videographer. Paddock lives in East Providence.

“We are thrilled to have Matt Paddock join our team,” DaSilva added. “Paddock will play an integral role in communicating all of the great work and happenings around our city to our residents, collaborators and the media.”