Providence, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse issued the following statement on the departure of his deputy state director, Tony Simon, who is leaving to join Providence Mayor-elect Jorge Elorza’s administration as chief of staff.
“Throughout my time in the United States Senate, Tony Simon has been a true asset to me and the people of Rhode Island,” said Whitehouse. “Tony is a trusted advisor, a devoted Rhode Islander, and a good friend. I thank him for all the sound advice he has given me through the years, and for the hard work he has done in service of our state. I wish him the best as he embarks on an exciting new role with the City of Providence, and I am confident that he will serve Mayor Elorza with the same distinction he has demonstrated in my office.”
Simon served as deputy campaign manager on Whitehouse’s victorious 2006 Senate campaign and Whitehouse hired Simon to serve as his deputy state director upon taking office. Simon later led the Rhode Island Democratic Party’s coordinated campaign in 2010 and Whitehouse’s re-election campaign in 2012. Simon is a Johnston native and a graduate of the University of Rhode Island. He currently lives in Providence.
Whitehouse also announced that current senior policy advisor Rele Abiade will assume the deputy state director position following Simon’s departure.
“I am very pleased Rele will be my new deputy state director,” said Whitehouse. “It has been a pleasure to have Rele on my staff since I took office, and I truly admire her intelligence, skill, and dedication through the years. I know she will continue to serve my office and our state well in this new role.”
Abiade, a native of Providence, has worked as a senior policy advisor and special projects coordinator for Whitehouse since he won office in 2006. Previously, Abiade was a policy advisor for former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey and communications director for former Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Charlie Fogarty. She is a graduate of Classical High School and Providence College and currently lives in Providence.
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