Donald L. Carcieri, a Rhode Island native, held the position of Rhode Island’s 73rd Governor from 2003 to 2011. Prior to his political career, he achieved success in the business world, culminating in his roles as Chief Executive Officer of Cookson America and Joint Managing Director of Cookson Group Worldwide. He retired from these positions in 1997.
Family and Community Involvement
Don Carcieri, a devoted family man with four children and fourteen grandchildren, ten of whom reside in Rhode Island, maintained a keen interest in both his community and state affairs. In 2001, he became increasingly troubled by the state’s financial condition, prompting him to contemplate utilizing his business expertise to address the issue. Notably, during this period, his name was relatively unfamiliar to most people.
Political Aspirations
In April 2002, Don Carcieri stood before a crowd at the Varnum Armory in East Greenwich, his hometown, to officially launch his campaign for Governor as a Republican. Surrounded by flags and in front of 250 attendees, he declared his intention to become the next Governor. Until then, his only political experience was serving on his town’s home rule charter commission.
- His campaign emphasized controlling state expenditure, ensuring government integrity, and planning for economic growth across the state;
- Starting as an underdog, Carcieri managed to overcome the favored candidate in a fiercely competitive primary;
- By emphasizing a “Clean Start” for the state government, he went on to win against the Democratic candidate in the general election, despite that candidate’s extensive experience of over 15 years in politics, including two gubernatorial runs;
- The victory marked a significant achievement for Carcieri, a relative newcomer to the political arena, against a seasoned opponent.
Personal Background
Don Carcieri, who came into the world on December 16, 1942, was the eldest sibling among Nicola and Marguerite Carcieri’s five children. The Carcieri family resided in East Greenwich, a town that held Nicola in high esteem due to his roles as a respected teacher and coach at the local high school.
From an early age, Don distinguished himself in his community. He was deeply involved in his school’s leadership and athletic programs, taking on roles such as Class President and Student Council President, and excelled in basketball, football, and baseball throughout his high school years. After completing his education at East Greenwich High School, Don went on to pursue higher education at Brown University. There, he was awarded an academic scholarship and engaged in various summer jobs—including construction, crewing on charter boats, and quahogging in Narragansett Bay—to financially support his studies. In 1965, he successfully earned his degree in International Relations from Brown University, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Career Before Politics
Before entering the realm of politics, Don embarked on a diverse and dynamic career path. Initially, he immersed himself in education, teaching mathematics at Newport’s Rogers High School and later at Concord Carlisle Regional High School in Massachusetts. Transitioning to the corporate world, he spent a decade at Old Stone Bank, steadily climbing the ladder to become Executive Vice President.
In a surprising turn of events in 1981, Don uprooted his family to Kingston, Jamaica, where he assumed leadership of the Catholic Relief Service’s operations in the West Indies. Immersed in community life, his wife, Sue Carcieri, also contributed by teaching science at a local school.
Following his humanitarian endeavors, Don pivoted back to the business sphere, joining Cookson America in 1983 as the president of a fledgling startup within the company. Returning to Rhode Island, he ascended the corporate ranks, eventually becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Cookson America and Joint Managing Director of Cookson Group Worldwide. Under his stewardship, the company experienced exponential growth, transforming from a modest enterprise with $30 million in sales to a global powerhouse generating over $3 billion in revenue by the time of his retirement.
Contribution to Providence
Don Carcieri played a pivotal role in conserving the historical essence of Providence. Through his advocacy, the former Providence train station was repurposed into the headquarters of Cookson America. Situated with a picturesque view, the company offices offered vistas of Burnside Park on one side and the Rhode Island State House on the other, adding to the charm of the city’s landscape.
Conclusion
Donald L. Carcieri’s journey from business to politics embodies a dedication to excellence and community service, inspiring future generations in Rhode Island. As the 73rd Governor, his leadership and fiscal discipline spurred economic growth, while his commitment to preserving Providence’s history and engaging with the community left a lasting impact. Carcieri’s legacy serves as a powerful example of service-oriented leadership in Rhode Island’s history.
