Board Members 2026 -2027
President & Controller - Audra Lavoie
RICDA is my favorite organization! I first got involved in 2013 and have held many leadership roles over the years. I have over 15 years of experience in career development, and I am a certified life coach. I believe that community and connection is essential in the important work that we all do.
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Vice President - Carrie Ann Marshall
Carrie Ann Marshall is an Experiential Education and Career Advisor at Johnson & Wales University with 19 years of experience helping students strengthen their professional brand, secure internships, and develop career-ready skills through coaching, instruction, and employer engagement. A longtime board member and Past President of the Rhode Island Career Development Association, she helps creates professional development programming, coordinates conferences, and represents Rhode Island within the New England Consortium of the NCDA. Carrie Ann brings additional leadership experience from USBands and a prior background in culinary operations, and she is a Certified Appreciative Advisor committed to community involvement, mentorship, and empowering individuals to confidently navigate their career journeys.
Carrie Ann Marshall | LinkedIn
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Secretary & Communications - Kevin Deeb
Kevin Deeb is the Assistant Director of Career Engagement at Brandeis University. He made this move after spending 9 years in Rhode Island where he attended college and graduate school, and working in higher education. He works in supporting career development with students and alumni and fostering employer connections. Additionally, Kevin adjuncts at local colleges and is seeking licensure as a mental health counselor in the state of RI and MA. Kevin has been a part of RICDA since 2023 working as part of the Leadership Academy, and has just recently begun positions as the Secretary of RICDA and the co-chair of the Communications Committee as of July 2026.
Kevin Deeb, CCSP, LMHC-A | LinkedIn
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Treasurer - Hank Johnson
Henry "Hank" Johnson has been an active member of the Rhode Island Career Development Association (RICDA) since 2010 and currently serves as the organization's Treasurer. He is the Department Chair of Business Management at the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), where he leads academic programs and teaches undergraduate and graduate business courses. Hank is committed to advancing career and technical education through leadership, collaboration, and student success initiatives.
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Government Affairs Liaison - Ryan Smith
Ryan Smith is a dedicated student affairs and career development professional with extensive experience in academic advising, experiential education, career coaching, and counseling. He demonstrates an emphasis on building meaningful relationships with students, employers, and colleagues while delivering engaging instruction, facilitating professional development, and supporting individuals throughout their career exploration. Ryan has been a member of the Rhode Island Career Development Association since July 2025, first as a general member supporting the board in coordinating its annual events and brainstorming new ways to support career development in Rhode Island for all. Most recently Ryan has taken on the role of Government Affairs Liaison for RICDA, the formal point of contact for press inquiries and outreach to local decision makers to advocate for the needs of those seeking career development.
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General Board Members:
Ryan Edmonds, M.Ed. serves as Talent Acquisition Manager at Navigant Credit Union, specializing in building strategic talent pipelines that support all aspects of financial services including retail banking, operations, contact center, IT and wealth management. With experience spanning 14 years in higher education and 5+ years in corporate recruiting, Ryan is recognized for combining data-driven insights with a people-focused approach to build teams across the business. He recently joined the RICDA Board in 2026 and serves at the Communications Co-Chair.
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Naiommy Baret is a community leader, policy advocate, and systems-change leader working at the intersection of early childhood, education, health, Medicaid, public health, and family economic well-being. She serves as the Director of Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy at Parents Leading for Educational Equity, where she supports parent-led policy advocacy and helps advance state and systems-level solutions that improve outcomes for children, young people and families. She was also the director of growth at College unbound prior to her position at PLEE and continues at College in bound supporting thier alumni and career engagement. Her commitment to this work is deeply personal and shaped by her lived experience.
Naiommy centers policy on the human story, bridging complex systems with the lived experiences of the community. Across all of her work, Naiommy brings lived experiences, family, community & community voice, and a deep commitment to equity- ensuring that community experiences are centered in decision-making, policy design, and systems accountability.
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Emilee O’Connor is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Office of Rehabilitation Services where she has worked for the past 11 years. Emilee has a bachelor's degree in social work and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling; both from Salve Regina University. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Emilee has been a member of RICDA for five years and a member of the board for two years.
Emilee O'Connor, MA, CRC | LinkedIn
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Melanie Ok is the Intercultural Career Coach at Bryant University. I have a passion for helping students explore career opportunities, build professional skills, and achieve their goals. As a first-generation college student, I bring a personal understanding of the challenges that can come with navigating higher education and career pathways. My goal is to create supportive spaces where students feel empowered to make informed decisions about their futures. As a member of RICDA, I am excited to connect with career development professionals and to continue learning.
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Kerry O'Hara is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) with experience in workforce development, teaching, and career advising, I am passionate about helping youth discover and pursue meaningful career pathways. As Program Manager of Educator Relations at Junior Achievement Rhode Island, I facilitate partnerships among K–12 schools, community organizations, and employers through the Rhode Island Experiential Learning Navigator (RIEXL), expanding access to career-connected learning and work-based experiences for youth. I am dedicated to strengthening connections between education and industry to support workforce readiness and lifelong career success. I am honored to be part of the Rhode Island Career Development Association (RICDA) Board and to contribute to advancing career development and awareness throughout Rhode Island.
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Marlex Torres is a College Pathway Coach dedicated to empowering students as they navigate college access, career exploration, and postsecondary success. Drawing on experience in admissions, enrollment services, financial aid, and student advising, she is passionate about expanding equitable opportunities and helping students achieve their educational goals. As a member of the RICDA Board, she is committed to advancing collaboration, professional development, and student-centered practices across Rhode Island.
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Shelby Perry, MPH is an Instructor of Business & Healthcare Management at New England Institute of Technology. With a strong foundation in public health and business, she brings a cross-functional approach to higher education, bridging strategy, ethics, leadership. She is a new member of the board and sits on the Communications Committee.
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Chris Tanguay is a Coordinator of Employer Services for the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s Employer Engagement Team and former Lead Program Manager for the Department’s response to the Opioid crisis. Working for DLT for 16 years, Chris has, also been the Manager of the American Job Centers throughout RI. Before that he has worked in the non-profit sector as a
Community Educator and Career Counselor and manager working for such organizations as the Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR), the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and the Central RI Area Health Education Center where he served as Executive Director. Chris has lived in Warwick his entire life and currently lives in Conimicut village with his wife
April. He is the proud father of five and grandfather of two.
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Deborah Jaques is the HR Manager at Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island (Dorcas International).
Throughout my career, I have focused on championing people-first initiatives that cultivate psychological safety, unlock human potential, and navigate change with empathy. My work bridges talent development, workforce strategy, and human resources, with a focus on fostering inclusive workplaces where employees and job seekers can thrive. As a member of the Rhode Island Career Development Association (RICDA), I value the opportunity to collaborate with professionals who are advancing innovative career development practices and expanding access to meaningful employment across our state. I am passionate about building partnerships that connect people with opportunity while supporting organizational growth through people-centered leadership.
Deborah Jaques, MBA | LinkedIn
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Kayla Villegas serves as the Assistant Administrator of the Rehabilitation Unit at the Arrigan Center within the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health and Vocational Rehabilitation and brings over 20 years of experience in clinical mental health, vocational recovery, and behavioral health leadership. In addition to her administrative role with the State of Rhode Island, she maintains a private practice and works as a crisis clinician. Kayla is committed to advancing rehabilitation services, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting best practices that support injured workers throughout their recovery and return‑to‑work process.
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Duncan Ermer - Director of Workforce Development @ Skills for RI
Duncan Ermer | LinkedIn