Ted Carr
tcarr@providenceri.gov
Edwin "Ted" Carr joins the City of Providence with over 25 years of experience in economic development, policy and business development strategy. Most recently, Carr served as an independent consultant and Senior Vice President for Energyzt Development Partners, a global business advisory firm. In that role he led the firm’s economic development and global client activity, advising domestic and international governments, as well as major global companies.

Previously, Carr served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment and prior to that served as Chief of Staff for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, where he played a key role in managing agencies responsible for housing and economic development. Carr holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a BA in Political Science with a concentration in Spanish from Cornell College in Iowa.

Ernesto Figueroa
Deputy Director
efigueroa@providenceri.gov

Ernesto Figueroa, serves as Deputy of Economic Development, bringing extensive experience in public administration, municipal leadership, and inclusive economic growth initiatives. Ernesto Figueroa earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Roger Williams University, a Law Legal Master (LLM), from Boston University School of Law, and hold a Juris Doctor from the Central University of the East in the Dominican Republic.

Prior to this role, Ernesto Figueroa served the City of Providence in key leadership positions, including Director of Vital Statistics and Director of Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprises (MBE/WBE) programs.

Wedley Thelemaque
First Source Director
401.680.5733

Wedley Thelemaque is a dedicated and community-focused professional currently residing in Providence, Rhode Island. Wedley has worked for the City of Providence since 2022, previously serving in community outreach roles for Providence’s Housing and Human Services Department and 311. In his current role, Wedley administers the First Source program, which connects Providence residents who are out of work or under-employed to career opportunities, ensuring that community development projects prioritize local hiring, fostering economic growth and stability within the Providence community.

Stephany Lopes
Small Business Development Director
slopes@providenceri.gov

Stephany is a public sector leader and passionate advocate for small businesses, currently serving as the Small Business Development Director. Previously, she served as Director of Licensing, where she led key operational and regulatory efforts supporting businesses across the city.

With over nine years of experience in municipal governemtn, Stephany has driven impactful, cross-functional initiatives that streamline processes, improve access, and create meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Deeply connected to Providence, she is committed to building stronger, more vibrant communities by supporting the people and businesses that define the city. Through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives, Stephany works to make it easier for businesses to start, grow, and thrive—grounded in a strong belief in the power of small businesses to shape and strengthen a city.

Grace Diaz
Representative Grace Diaz is the MBE/WBE Outreach Director for the Office of Economic Opportunity at the City of Providence. Diaz has represented the people of District 11 in Providence since first being elected in November 2004. She was named the Democratic Caucus Chair in January 2015, which makes her a member of the House Leadership Team. She is a member of both the House Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Rules. She is the chairwoman of the Legislative Commission on Child Care in Rhode Island.Representative Diaz holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Springfield College, which she earned in 2008 and 2010. A native of the Dominican Republic, she graduated from Los Angeles Custodios High School in 1977.

Representative Diaz is also a member of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO), Women in Government, National Hispanic State Legislators and the Rhode Island Black and Latino Caucus.

Rep. Diaz has five children: Maria, Gisselle, Ruben, Felix and Cristian, and six grandchildren: Nehemiah, Kariana, Xavier, Anelle, Zoe and Amaih Gracemarie.

Dana Gillson
Dana Gillson (she/her/hers) serves as the Business Research Analyst. Born and raised in Cranston, Rhode Island, Dana is passionate about community development and urban planning in her home state. Dana received her master’s in City and Regional Planning at the University of Oklahoma with a focus in physical planning and historic preservation. She is also a graduate of Mount Holyoke College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Geology with a focus in Environmental Science.

Anthony DeSimone
Senior Compliance Officer - First Source
Adesimone@providenceri.gov

Anthony DeSimone is the City of Providence's Senior Compliance Officer for First Source. In his role, Anthony ensures companies that receive Tax Stabilization Agreements comply with City policies and ordinances and regulatory and legal requirements. He is a lifelong Providence resident and has worked for the City of Providence since 2015.

Samantha Sievers
Assistant to the Director of Economic Development
ssievers@providenceri.gov

Michaela Antunes
Director of Communications, Economic Development
mantunes@providenceri.gov

Michaela Antunes leads communications and public relations for numerous City of Providence departments, including Economic Development, Housing and Human Services, Planning and Urban Development, Inspection and Standards, and Arts, Culture and Tourism. She is a Rhode Island native whose career in the public sector has largely focused on municipal governance and public affairs.

For media inquiries, contact Michaela at mantunes@providenceri.gov