Rhode Island Manufacturers Association Appoints Melissa Travis as President & CEO
Smithfield, RI
January 26, 2026
The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) has named Melissa Travis as its next President and Chief Executive Officer.
With more than two decades of statewide, regional, and national leadership experience, Travis brings a rare and powerful combination of expertise spanning manufacturing, economic development, technology, healthcare, and public policy. Her career has been defined by advancing economic competitiveness, modernizing industry capabilities, and forging high impact public private partnerships that deliver measurable results for employers and communities.
Travis made history as the first woman to serve on RIMA’s Board of Directors and has been a long – standing champion of Rhode Island’s manufacturing sector. During her tenure as President and CEO of the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants, she conceptualized and launched the first U.S. Technology Innovation Center in the nation, in partnership with RIMA creating a national model for cross sector collaboration focused on innovation, workforce readiness, and technology adoption.
Her deep expertise in energy and healthcare policy, coupled with extensive experience working alongside local, state, and federal leaders, positions RIMA to effectively navigate the increasingly complex regulatory, workforce, and operational challenges facing modern manufacturers. Travis is also widely recognized for her leadership in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, which will play a central role in advancing RIMA’s vision for a more innovative, resilient, and future ready manufacturing ecosystem.
“Congratulations to Melissa on her appointment as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association,” said Stefan Pryor, Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce. “As a dynamic and experienced professional, Melissa is ideally positioned to lead RI MA at this moment in time when Rhode Island is showing strength in manufacturing and aims to apport and advance this crucial industry even more. I truly look forward to working in partnership with Melissa and the RIMA Board as we propel the manufacturing forward in our state.
Travis succeeds David M. Chenevert, who announced in November would be stepping down after leading RIMA for 14 years. “Melissa’s appointment marks a defining moment for RIMA,” said Craig Pickell, Chairman of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association. “She brings the strategic leadership, credibility, and execution mindset needed to transform RIMA into a modern, forward-looking organization one that delivers real value for manufacturers, strengthens ou policy leadership, and positions Rhode Island as a national leader in advanced manufacturing.”
Travis announced the launch of the Women’s Manufacturing Alliance, a transformative new division within RIMA designed to elevate women’s leadership, visibility, and influence across the manufacturing sector. Backed by a high-profile advisory board of respe cted stry and business leaders, the Alliance signals a decisive commitment to shaping the future of manufacturing.
The inaugural advisory board members will be formally unveiled at RIMA’s February 5 event
About Rhode Island Manufacturers Association
The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA), together with its newly formed Women’s Manufacturing Alliance, are tireless champions for expanding opportunity, accelerating innovation, and strengthening Rhode Island’s manufacturing foundation.
United by a shared commitment to growth, equity, and excellence, we work to ensure manufacturing remains a dynamic, inclusive, and future ready sector across the Ocean State.