Ted Carr
[email protected]
Edwin "Ted" Carr joins the City of Providence with over 25 years of experience in economic development, policy and business development strategy. Most recently, Carr served as an independent consultant and Senior Vice President for Energyzt Development Partners, a global business advisory firm. In that role he led the firm’s economic development and global client activity, advising domestic and international governments, as well as major global companies.
Elayne Burke
Deputy Director, Economic Development
401.680.8416
In her role, Elayne will report to Director of Economic Development, Ted Carr and will provide leadership in improving and expanding all of our Economic Development initiatives.
A native of Rhode Island, Ms. Burke’s career began in the legal field, first in Counsel’s office in the White House, then in the civil rights division at the Justice Department, where she received a commendation from Asst Attorney General, Deval Patrick for her contributions. Family obligations brought her back to Rhode Island and she attended law school at Roger Williams University.
As the daughter of a Rhode Island small business owner, and granddaughter of a Rhode Island public school educator and Principal, she saw opportunity in her hometown of Bristol and opened Châtelaine, a destination women’s dress shop. She was the recipient of the coveted “Best of Rhode Island” by Rhode Island Monthly multiple times, was a founding member of the first Merchant’s Association, and ran her business successfully for 7 years. With an opportunity to return to Washington D.C., she closed her shop and practiced civil rights law with DC organizations, advocating for her unhoused neighbors.
During the pandemic, Ms. Burke found herself again pulled back to Rhode Island, this time choosing downtown Providence for her home. A resident of Providence for more than three years, she has explored the many unique neighborhoods throughout the city and is eager to help advocate for its businesses, provide opportunities for its residents, and help grow the economy for the city she loves.
Wedley Thelemaque
First Source Director
401.680.5733
Wedley Thelemaque is a dedicated and community-focused professional currently residing in Providence, Rhode Island. Wedley has worked for the City of Providence since 2022, previously serving in community outreach roles for Providence’s Housing and Human Services Department and 311. In his current role, Wedley administers the First Source program, which connects Providence residents who are out of work or under-employed to career opportunities, ensuring that community development projects prioritize local hiring, fostering economic growth and stability within the Providence community.
Grace Diaz
Representative Grace Diaz is the MBE/WBE Outreach Director for the Office of Economic Opportunity at the City of Providence. Diaz has represented the people of District 11 in Providence since first being elected in November 2004. She was named the Democratic Caucus Chair in January 2015, which makes her a member of the House Leadership Team. She is a member of both the House Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Rules. She is the chairwoman of the Legislative Commission on Child Care in Rhode Island.Representative Diaz holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Springfield College, which she earned in 2008 and 2010. A native of the Dominican Republic, she graduated from Los Angeles Custodios High School in 1977.
Representative Diaz is also a member of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO), Women in Government, National Hispanic State Legislators and the Rhode Island Black and Latino Caucus.
Rep. Diaz has five children: Maria, Gisselle, Ruben, Felix and Cristian, and six grandchildren: Nehemiah, Kariana, Xavier, Anelle, Zoe and Amaih Gracemarie.
Dana Gillson
Dana Gillson (she/her/hers) serves as the Business Research Analyst. Born and raised in Cranston, Rhode Island, Dana is passionate about community development and urban planning in her home state. Dana received her master’s in City and Regional Planning at the University of Oklahoma with a focus in physical planning and historic preservation. She is also a graduate of Mount Holyoke College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Geology with a focus in Environmental Science.
Anthony DeSimone
Senior Compliance Officer - First Source
[email protected]
Anthony DeSimone is the City of Providence's Senior Compliance Officer for First Source. In his role, Anthony ensures companies that receive Tax Stabilization Agreements comply with City policies and ordinances and regulatory and legal requirements. He is a lifelong Providence resident and has worked for the City of Providence since 2015.
Samantha Sievers
Assistant to the Director of Economic Development
[email protected]
Michaela Antunes
Director of Communications, Economic Development
[email protected]
Michaela Antunes leads communications and public relations for numerous City of Providence departments, including Economic Development, Housing and Human Services, Planning and Urban Development, Inspection and Standards, and Arts, Culture and Tourism. She is a Rhode Island native whose career in the public sector has largely focused on municipal governance and public affairs.
For media inquiries, contact Michaela at [email protected]