Brett Smiley (politician)
Brett Smiley | |
|---|---|
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| 39th Mayor of Providence | |
| Assumed office January 2, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Jorge Elorza |
| Director of the Rhode Island Department of Administration | |
| In office December 2019 – February 2021 | |
| Governor | Gina Raimondo |
| Preceded by | Michael DiBiase |
| Succeeded by | James E. Thorsen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1978 or 1979 (age 44–45)[1] |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jim DeRentis |
| Education | DePaul University (BS, MBA) |
Brett P. Smiley (born 1978 or 1979) is an American politician from Rhode Island. A member of the Democratic Party, he is the mayor of Providence, Rhode Island.
Early life and career
[edit]Smiley grew up outside of Chicago, Illinois.[1] He attended DePaul University, earning a bachelor's degree and a Master of Business Administration.[2] In 2004, he was campaign manager for congressional candidate Melissa Bean, and ran her district office until late 2005.[1][3] He moved to Rhode Island to work for Lieutenant Governor Charlie Fogarty's campaign in the 2006 Rhode Island gubernatorial election. After the election, Smiley worked for David Cicilline, the mayor of Providence, and opened a political consulting firm.[4][5] He was also chair of the city's Water Supply Board.[6]
In December 2013, Smiley announced his candidacy for mayor of Providence in the 2014 election, seeking to succeed Angel Taveras, who did not run for reelection so that he could run for governor of Rhode Island.[7] He dropped out of the mayoral race in August 2014 and endorsed Jorge Elorza, the eventual winner.[8] Elorza named Smiley the city's chief operating officer after the election.[9] In September 2016, he became the chief of staff to Governor Gina Raimondo.[4] In December 2019, Raimondo named Smiley as the new head of the Rhode Island Department of Administration.[10] He resigned in February 2021.[11]
Mayor of Providence
[edit]After his resignation, Smiley announced his candidacy for mayor of Providence in the 2022 election, seeking to succeed Jorge Elorza, who was prevented from running for a third term due to term limits.[12][13] He won the Democratic primary in September 2022 with 42% of the vote, while Gonzalo Cuervo received 36% and Nirva LaFortune earned 22%.[14] He faced no opposition in the November 8 general election[15] and took the oath of office on January 2, 2023.[16]
Personal life
[edit]Smiley's husband, Jim DeRentis, is a real estate agent.[17][1]
Smiley grew up in the United Church of Christ. In 2024, he converted to Reform Judaism.[18]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d McGowan, Dan (December 27, 2022). "Meet Providence's political power couple: Brett Smiley and Jim DeRentis". The Boston Globe. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
- ^ "Brett Smiley leaving mayor's office to be Raimondo's chief of staff". WPRI. July 18, 2016. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
- ^ Mayerowitz, Scott (February 5, 2006). "Campaign Journal". The Providence Journal. p. B-08. Retrieved November 11, 2024 – via Newsbank.
- ^ a b "Brett Smiley to begin as Governor Raimondo's chief of staff in September". The Providence Journal. July 18, 2016. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
- ^ Bakst, M. Charles (August 19, 2007). "Smiley joins Cicilline camp". The Providence Journal. p. D-01. Retrieved November 11, 2024 – via Newsbank.
- ^ Pina, Alisha A. (December 3, 2013). "Democrat Brett Smiley enters race for Providence mayor". The Providence Journal. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
- ^ "Brett Smiley announces candidacy for Providence Mayor". ABC6. December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
- ^ "Smiley quits the race for the Democratic nomination for Providence mayor; supports Elorza". The Providence Journal. August 22, 2014. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
- ^ "Elorza taps ex-rival Smiley, Dem honcho Diaz for key Providence posts". The Providence Journal. November 11, 2014. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
- ^ "Brett Smiley to head Dept. of Administration". The Providence Journal. December 3, 2019. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
- ^ "Brett Smiley steps down as Department of Administration director". WLNE-TV. February 10, 2021. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
- ^ "Pulse of Providence Ep. 10: Brett Smiley". WPRI. March 22, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
- ^ "Smiley resigns from state job ahead of expected run for Providence mayor". WPRI. February 10, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
- ^ "Providence RI mayoral race: Brett Smiley will be mayor-elect". The Providence Journal. September 13, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
- ^ Machado, Steph (November 8, 2022). "Brett Smiley wins Providence mayoral race". WPRI. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
- ^ "Providence Mayor-Elect Brett Smiley announces inauguration plans". WJAR. December 9, 2022. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
- ^ "Smiley touts 'back to basics' approach in run for mayor of Providence". The Public's Radio. March 28, 2022.
- ^ Machado, Steph (December 23, 2024). "Finding his faith community: Mayor of Providence Brett Smiley converts to Judaism". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
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