RI Foundation head Neil Steinberg to retire. Here's how he's shaped the RI landscape

PROVIDENCE — Neil Steinberg, who has led the Rhode Island Foundation during an unprecedented era of growth, will retire on May 1, 2023, the foundation announced Monday.

Steinberg will continue "to lead the organization’s operations and strategies and offer transition support" as a national search is conducted for his successor, according to a foundation news release.

“Neil has been a transformative leader for the Rhode Island Foundation and for the entire state,” said Dr. G. Alan Kurose, Rhode Island Foundation board chairman. “He has assembled a management team at the foundation that has consistently performed at a very high level, particularly during the pandemic. With the full support of the foundation board, Neil has also established civic leadership as an enduring priority of the Rhode Island Foundation.”

Steinberg joined the organization in August 2008 after working for four years as Brown University's vice president for development and campaign director. Before that, he was chairman and CEO of Fleet National Bank.

“I have been fortunate to have worked for three iconic Rhode Island institutions: Fleet Bank, Brown University and the Rhode Island Foundation," Steinberg said. "That said, being president and CEO of the foundation has undoubtedly been the best job I have ever had, and has allowed me the opportunity to work – as hard as I ever have – in service to the community. At the foundation, we truly live our mission to be a proactive community and philanthropic leader dedicated to meeting the needs of ALL the people of Rhode Island.”

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Among other achievements during Steinberg's tenure, the foundation raised more than $600 million and oversaw grant awards totaling more than $700 million since he took office. He also oversaw the launching of the Foundation’s Civic Leadership Fund more than 10 years ago. The foundation's endowment at the end of last year stood at $1.4 billion.

And Steinberg led campaigns for two major scholarsghip programs – the Carter Roger Williams Scholarship and the Andrew Scholarship – along with being "a strong advocate and supporter of the foundation’s increased commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access, including the launch of the Equity Leadership Initiative," according to the organization.

“At 68 years old, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and exploring a next chapter in my career,” Steinberg said. “I expect to continue committing significant time and energy to the community, and to Rhode Island.”

Steinberg is the third prominent Rhode Islander in the last few weeks to announce their intention to leave leadership positions. Lifespan president and CEO Dr. Timothy J. Babineau will resign from his post at the end of this month and Dr. James E. Fanale, president and CEO of Care New England, will retire in early 2023.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: President and CEO of RI Foundation to retire in May 2023