Press Release

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Board of the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank today announced the appointment of William J. Fazioli as CEO and Executive Director of the Bank.  The appointment of Mr. Fazioli follows the departure of Jeffrey R. Diehl who, as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Bank, provided more than 7 years of dedicated public service to the Bank and the citizens of Rhode Island.

Mr. Fazioli, who most recently served as the Bank’s Managing Director of Program and Business Development, has over 35 years of public administration experience in municipal finance, economic development, and infrastructure investment.  Well-known and respected by state and municipal leaders, Bill previously served as Northeast Regional Director for BondLink, a public finance investor relations portal, and prior to that was Director of Planning & Economic Development for the City of East Providence. His background includes senior roles in public sector banking, financial advisory, and municipal government. He is also the Executive Director of New England States Government Finance Officers Association and Chair of the East Providence Waterfront District Commission. Bill earned an MPA degree in public finance from SUNY-Albany and a BA in public administration and sociology from Rhode Island College.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Jeff for his valued service in leading Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank,” said Board Chair Vahid Ownjazayeri.  “Under Jeff’s leadership, the Bank invested hundreds of millions of dollars to assist Rhode Island municipalities, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations to facilitate and to help bring down the costs of highly significant infrastructure projects. During Jeff’s tenure and under his leadership, the Bank experienced tremendous growth in its financing of critical water and transportation infrastructure. as well as renewable energy, municipal resilience, and energy efficiency projects, all areas critical to the future of our State. We wish Jeff all the best and continuing success in his future endeavors.” Chair Ownjazayeri concluded, “We’re excited to have Bill as our new Executive Director. We believe his experience and expertise make him well-suited to build upon the Bank’s many successes and to lead the Bank to further its mission to serve many important needs of our State.”