Rhode Island Bar Association Staff & Responsibilities
41 Sharpe Drive, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: 401-421-5740 | Fax: 401-421-2703 | Email: info@ribar.com | Web: ribar.com
To contact staff, call the main number above and use the appropriate extension, or email the individual directly. Visit ribar.com for more information on Bar programs and services.
Executive Leadership
Kathleen M. Bridge
Executive Director | ext. 4838 | kbridge@ribar.com
Kathleen oversees all operations of the Rhode Island Bar Association and Rhode Island Bar Foundation and serves as the staff liaison to the Executive Committee, House of Delegates, and several Bar-related committees. She also manages governance matters, the client reimbursement fund, fee arbitration program, and legislative review.
Communications
Erin R. Cute
Communications Director | ext. 4845 | ecute@ribar.com
Erin oversees the Rhode Island Bar Journal, media relations, event promotions, mailing list requests, sponsor coordination for the Annual Meeting, Bar awards, website content, and vLex Fastcase access. She also manages the Leadership Academy, Law-Related Education programs, and the Mentor Program.
NaKeisha Torres
Communications Coordinator | ext. 4839 | ntorres@ribar.com
NaKeisha assists with marketing, social media, website updates, production of the Bar Journal, and other communications. She also coordinates committee meetings, manages the listserv, and supports sponsor and exhibitor logistics for the Annual Meeting.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Madeline Benner
CLE Director | ext. 4847 | mbenner@ribar.com
Madeline is responsible for the planning and administration of the Bar’s continuing legal education programs, including seminars, the Annual Meeting, and online offerings. She collaborates with speakers, vendors, and committees to develop content and ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
Julie Amato
CLE Coordinator | ext. 4846 | jamato@ribar.com
Julie supports CLE logistics, processes accreditations, prepares materials, and assists with marketing and event coordination. She also provides member support for CLE-related questions.
Administration
Susan J. Cavalloro
Office Manager | ext. 4840 | scavalloro@ribar.com
Susan manages membership records, dues processing, Bar Journal advertising and subscriptions, and general office operations. She also assists with administrative functions across departments.
Allison Baker
Law Related Education Coordinator | ext. 4841 | abaker@ribar.com
Allison supports Law-Related Education programs, front desk operations, and member resource updates. She also assists with event coordination and special projects.
Renée Bourbonnière
Finance Director | ext. 4836 | rbourbonniere@ribar.com
Renée is responsible for financial management, including accounting, payroll, dues invoicing, and reporting. She also coordinates with auditors and manages retirement contributions and grant compliance.
Public Services & Legal Assistance
Susan A. Fontaine
Public Services Director | ext. 4851 | sfontaine@ribar.com
Susan oversees all of the Bar’s public service programs including the Lawyer Referral Service, Volunteer Lawyer Program, and pro bono initiatives. She also manages outreach, volunteer coordination, and partnerships with legal and community organizations.
Elisa King
Public Services Senior Coordinator | 401-521-5040 ext. 7722 | eking@ribar.com
Elisa manages the administration of several legal service programs, including the Lawyer Referral Service, Elderly Pro Bono Program, and US Armed Forces Legal Services Project. She coordinates intake and referrals, assists volunteer attorneys, organizes legal clinics, tracks program data, and helps with outreach efforts.
John H. Ellis
Volunteer Lawyer Program Coordinator | ext. 4833 | jellis@ribar.com
John coordinates the Volunteer Lawyer Program by recruiting and supporting attorney volunteers, managing case assignments, and working with legal aid partners. He also assists with outreach and training for pro bono efforts.
Amy Rodriguez
Public Services Administrative Assistant | ext. 4834 | arodriguez@ribar.com
Amy supports the day-to-day operations of the Public Services Department. She handles client screening, panel attorney communications, and community outreach.
Bar Foundation & Grants
Theresa Gallo
Bar Foundation Program Director | 401-421-6541 | tgallo@ribar.com
Theresa administers the IOLTA program and manages Bar Foundation operations, including grants, scholarships, and compliance reporting. She also facilitates Board activities, fundraising efforts, and coordination with financial institutions.