Rhode Island Ethics Commission

The Commission is comprised of nine Rhode Islanders. Four are appointed directly by the Governor; five are appointed by the Governor from lists of nominees submitted by the majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate and by the House Speaker, respectively. No Commission Member may serve more than one full five-year term. While serving on the Ethics Commission, members are prohibited from holding or campaigning for public office, holding office in any political party or political committee, and participating in or contributing to any political campaign. Commissioners may neither directly nor indirectly attempt to influence any decision by a governmental body. Section 36-14-8(i) of the Rhode Island General Laws provides that Commission members shall receive one hundred dollars ($100) per day as compensation for attendance at meetings of the Commission; however, the Commissioners have not received compensation for their service since January 1991. Many other states have their own statewide ethics agencies. The current members of the Rhode Island Ethics Commission are:

Ross E. Cheit, Chairperson. Appointed by the Governor in 2004 from a list of nominations provided by the Senate Minority Leader, Professor Cheit was elected by the Commission to serve as Chairperson in April, 2011. (Term: 2004-2009).

Deborah M. Cerullo, SSND, Vice-Chairperson. Originally appointed directly by the Governor in 2008, Sister Cerullo was elected by the Commission to serve as Vice-Chairperson in April, 2011. (Term: 2010-2015).

J. William W. Harsch, Secretary. Appointed directly by the Governor in 2008, Mr. Harsch was elected by the Commission to serve as Secretary in June, 2008. (Term: 2007-2012).

Frederick K. Butler. Appointed by the Governor in 2004 from a list of nominations provided by the House Minority Leader. (Term 2005-2010).

Mark B. Heffner. Appointed by the Governor in 2009 from a list of nominees provided by the Senate President (Term: 2006-2011).

John M. LaCross. Appointed directly by the Governor in 2011. (Term 2009-2014).

John D. Lynch, Jr. Appointed by the Governor in 2009 from a list of nominees provided by the Speaker of the House. (Term: 2007-2012).

Edward A. Magro. Appointed directly by the Governor in 2008. (Term: 2006-2011).

James V. Murray. Appointed by the Governor in 1998 from a list of nominees provided by the House Majority Leader. (Term: 2003-2008).