East Providence’s Director of Planning and Economic Development Bill Fazioli was formally honored by the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council during its 78th Annual Meeting held virtually on Monday, Nov. 1.

RIPEC had previously announced Fazioli, who is also chairman of the East Providence Waterfront Commission, as this year’s recipient of the Robert M. Goodrich Distinguished Public Service Award.

Fazioli was recognized along with Frank Karpinski, the recipient of the Gary S. Sasse Distinguished Service Award. Karpinski serves as the Executive Director of the Employees’ Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI), a position he has held since 2001. He previously served the ERSRI as its Director of Finance for seven years.

“This year’s honorees have dedicated their careers to improving government at the state and local level,” said Michael DiBiase, RIPEC President and CEO. “Frank Karpinski has successfully implemented several reforms to the state’s pension system, including the digitization of employee retirement records, while William Fazioli has worked to transform East Providence’s waterfront and other underutilized areas. We are proud to honor them at our 78th annual meeting.”

In presenting the Goodrich Award, RIPEC cited Fazioli’s contributions to the development of short- and long-term economic and community development plans and providing guidance to individuals and companies to establish, relocate, or expand their businesses within East Providence.

During his 25-year-career, he has served as financial advisor to a broad range of issuers throughout New England and has worked directly with more than 60 local government issuers throughout the region.

In addition to working as a financial advisor, Fazioli has held several positions in local government, including city manager, finance director, and interim town administrator. He has been executive director of the New England States Government Finance Officers Association since 2000.

“Bill Fazioli’s background in economic development and finance has been invaluable to East Providence,” said East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva. “Bill has helped us turn a once blighted oil tank farm into a vibrant new community that has expanded access to the waterfront and bike paths, and created a new tax base. We are proud and honored that he is part of our team, and being honored with this public service award.”

Fazioli earned a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Public Administration from Rhode Island College and a Master of Public Administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs at the University of New York at Albany. He is a Registered Municipal Advisor Representative (Series 50).