About the Treasurer

James A. Diossa was elected Rhode Island General Treasurer in November 2022 and sworn in on January 3, 2023. He is focused on protecting and growing the state’s assets while ensuring all Rhode Islanders have the financial foundation to thrive. Since taking office, he has worked to sustainably grow and diversify the state’s $13 billion pension fund, strengthen Rhode Island’s bond rating, and expand access to economic opportunity.

Under his leadership, the Treasury has launched several initiatives to support Rhode Islanders, including RISavers, which expands retirement access to the 40% of private-sector workers without employer-sponsored options, and the RI AnchorHome pilot program, which offers low-interest home loans. The Treasury has also expanded efforts to return unclaimed property, reuniting residents with millions of dollars. In addition, Treasurer Diossa has strengthened financial education statewide, convened municipal leaders on public finance, and launched a medical debt relief initiative that eliminated $12 million in debt.

Treasurer Diossa has long been committed to helping residents build sustainable wealth through transparency, accessibility, and strong partnerships across government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations.

Raised in Central Falls, he returned after college to serve his community as a City Council member and later as mayor—the youngest in state history. He led the city’s recovery from bankruptcy and helped position it as a thriving cultural and culinary destination. He later served as a Senior Advisor at Brown University’s Policy Lab before being elected General Treasurer.

Treasurer Diossa is a graduate of Becker College. He lives in Pawtucket with his partner, Sandra Cano, and their two children, Arianna and Alessandro.