Longtime RI pension chief Frank Karpinski to retire
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The man who has managed Rhode Island's state pension system for nearly a quarter-century is stepping aside.
Frank Karpinski, executive director of the Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island, has informed General Treasurer James Diossa that he plans to retire by the close of the current state fiscal year on June 30.
ERSRI is the agency responsible for administering benefits for over 60,000 retired and active workers who are enrolled in the state pension system. Karpinski joined ERSRI in 1994 as its director of finance, and has held the top job since 2001.
'Frank's tenure and contributions to ERSRI and the state have been remarkable,' Diossa, who chairs the state retirement board, said in a statement.
'His unparalleled knowledge and insightful guidance have been essential in ensuring our continued focus on serving ERSRI members and all Rhode Islanders,' Diossa said. 'We are incredibly grateful for his dedication and leadership throughout his tenure, and we look forward to ensuring a seamless transition as we search for a new executive director.'
A spokesperson for the treasurer's office said a national search will be conducted to identify a successor to Karpinski.
Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesi's Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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