Corinne Calise Russo, Director
Benjamin Rush Building 55
35 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Telephone: 401-462-0501
FAX: 401-462-0503 (FAX)
E-mail: crusso@dea.state.ri.us
When Corinne Calise Russo officially began her tenure as Director of the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) on May 1, 2004, she brought with her more than 30 years of accomplishment in the planning and development of community based services for seniors, families and caregivers.
In appointing Ms. Russo as DEA director, Governor Donald L. Carcieri noted,
“She has selflessly devoted herself to the needs of the geriatric community and brings a wide array of experience to the position.”
Director Russo has clear vision of the future of DEA and senior services in Rhode Island. In reflecting on her nomination to her new post, she pledged to “enthusiastically and energetically maintain and enhance quality programs and quality services that will help sustain the dignity of older Rhode Islanders.”
True to this pledge, Director Russo is working very hard to see that the new Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) becomes a reality. Last fall, Governor Carcieri provided funding to determine space and program needs and to develop architectural designs for the ADRC. The goal is to create a central facility where seniors, families caregivers and disabled adults can gain access to services that support their independence. Director Russo notes, “People will be able to come to this facility and be comfortable sitting with a staff person who will be able to walk them through their concerns.”
CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Ø Ms. Russo was the founding director of the North Providence Senior Center
(now the Salvatore Mancini Resource and Activity Center) from 1976 to 1997. During this period of time, the Center grew from a small site that housed a few senior programs to a site that housed a meals program, transportation and social services, leisure and travel activities, a health center run in cooperation with the Roger Williams Medical Center, and a regional case management system. The Salvatore Mancini Resource and Activity Center became a nationally accredited senior center in 2001.
Ø After leaving the Mancini Center in 1997, Ms. Russo developed CMRI, a statewide case management system for seniors.
Ø In 1990, Director Russo received the Community Achievement Award from the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Ø In 1994, Director Russo was named as Outstanding Social Worker of the Year in the Field of Aging by the National Association of Social Workers, Rhode Island Chapter.
Ø In 1995, Director Russo was delegate to the White House Conference on Aging.
Ø She has served as an adjunct instructor in case management at the Rhode Island College School of Social Work.
Ø In 1999, Ms. Russo developed a private geriatric care management practice.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Ø National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers
Ø National Association of Social Workers-Rhode Island Chapter
Ø American Society on Aging
Ø Rhode Island Long Term Care Coordinating Council
Ø Rhode Island College Foundation
Ø Federal Hill House
Ø Muscular Dystrophy Association
Ø National Family Caregivers Association
EDUCATION:
University of Rhode Island, Bachelor of Science-Human Services
Rhode Island College, Master of Social Work-Administration Practice
PERSONAL:
Married; Two sons; Resident of North Providence
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Telephone: 401-462-0501
FAX: 401-462-0503 (FAX)
E-mail: crusso@dea.state.ri.us