Common Cause President & CEO to speak on state of democracy 

RHODE ISLAND— Common Cause Rhode Island will host its annual Champions of Democracy Celebration this Thursday, Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at The Guild in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Virginia Kase Solomón, the new President & CEO of Common Cause, will kickoff the evening’s honors with remarks on the state of American democracy nationwide.

The event is one of the largest democracy celebrations in the state and will feature a dynamic program of speakers, leaders, and honorees. The event will honor three individuals for their commitment to civic life in Rhode Island:

Dr. Taino J. Palermo, adjunct faculty at the Roger Williams University School of Law and co-founder of the Center for Indigenous People’s Rights will receive the organization’s Emerging Leader Award.

Megan Hamlin-Black, former Rhode Island State Librarian and current director of financial strategy and planning at the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, will receive the organization’s Excellence in Public Service Award.

David Pellegrino, former chair of Common Cause Rhode Island’s State Board, and senior vice president, general counsel, and chief risk officer at Navigant Credit Union, will receive the organization’s Distinguished Service Award.

What: 2024 Champions of Democracy Celebration

Who: 

• Common Cause President & CEO Virginia Kase Solomón 

• Common Cause Rhode Island Executive Director John Marion 

• Roger Williams University School of Law Adjunct Faculty Dr. Taino J. Palermo 

• Former Rhode Island State Librarian Megan Hamlin-Black 

• Former Common Cause Rhode Island State Board Chair David Pellegrino 

When: Thursday, October 10 from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: The Guild, 461 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860

“The Champions of Democracy Celebration is a way to recognize the influential leaders in Rhode Island who are protecting and strengthening our rights and freedoms through their work,” said Common Cause Rhode Island Executive Director John Marion. “Each of this year’s honorees, Dr. Taino J. Palermo, Megan Hamlin-Black, and David Pellegrino, are showing us the important the role we all play in improving civic life in our local communities.”

Media are welcome to attend and record the event.

Representatives from Common Cause will be available for one-on-one interviews, including President & CEO Virginia Kase Solomón and Common Cause Rhode Island Executive Director John Marion. 

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