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January 10, 2008

Update: Labor director Orefice taking new state job

Adelita Orefice, the state Department of Labor and Training director, is leaving the position, telling staff today she has decided to take a new job as deputy secretary of the state Office of Health and Human Services.

Just after 4 p.m., Governor Carcieri confirmed the move and announced the appointment of Sandra Powell as interim director of the labor department.

Orefice's new position will replace the former, and currently vacant, spot of chief of staff in the Health and Human Services Office, Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal said.

Carcieri faced a battle last year over the reconfirmation of Orefice to her post, which she has held since 2004.

At that time, Carcieri decided to withdraw her nomination as it faced an almost certain no-confidence vote by a Senate committee. But his office said she could continue to serve until she -- or a replacement -- was confirmed by the Senate.

Orefice said in her message that although she is leaving, "I will always have the deepest respect and affection for my DLT family, and take tremendous pride in the work we have achieved together over the last four years," Orefice stated.

In his press release, Carcieri said Orefice has done a "terrific job" as labor director. “In fact, Lita has gone above and beyond the call of duty on numerous occasions. Over the last several years, Lita has brought new focus to a long overlooked, but vitally important agency of state government."

He also referred to her role as a whistle blower in the scandal involving the Beacon Mutual Insurance, the state's dominant workman's compensation insurer.

“As a member of Beacon’s board of directors, Lita blew the whistle on the rampant corruption and financial mismanagement at that important Rhode Island institution," Carcieri said. "As a result of Lita’s courage, Beacon’s board and management have been overhauled and criminal investigations have been launched against those who were responsible for the company’s problems.”

Last June, Carcieri blamed AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer George Nee, and former Beacon board member, specifically for exacting revenge for Orefice’s role in “exposing illegal activities” at Beacon and convincing the Senate not to support her.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with reports from Katherine Gregg and Cynthia Needham at the Journal State House bureau

In the message to her staff today, Orefice praised her interim replacement:

"As many of you know first-hand, Sandra not only has 20 years of progressive experience in workforce development, but also possesses rare leadership qualities that will greatly benefit this organization," Orefice stated. "I am heartened to know that I am leaving you in good hands."

Carcieri's office said Powell has worked 19 years at the Department of Labor and Training in workforce development programs. She is a lifelong Rhode Islander with a bachelor's degree from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

For the past two years, Powell has served as as assistant director overseeing the state’s public workforce development system. She has been responsible for a $15 million budget that supports many federal and state workforce development programs for jobseekers and employers, Carcieri's office said.

Posted by Mike McKinney at 4:41 PM | Permalink

January 10, 2008

Update: Labor director Orefice taking new state job

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