Ryan J. Holt Named New Executive Director of ACEC-RI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Council of Engineering Companies of Rhode Island (ACEC-RI) Announces Ryan J. Holt as New Executive Director

Providence, RI — October 23, 2025 — The American Council of Engineering Companies of Rhode Island (ACEC-RI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan J. Holt as its new Executive Director, effective immediately.

Holt brings more than a decade of leadership experience in government affairs, public policy, and legal strategy to ACEC-RI. A licensed attorney with a proven record of advancing complex initiatives across the public and private sectors, Holt will lead the organization’s advocacy, member engagement, and strategic initiatives.

Before joining ACEC-RI, Holt served as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Pawtucket, where he advised on all aspects of municipal governance, including public policy, economic development, infrastructure investment, and strategic partnerships. His previous roles include Managing Director of Government Relations and Senior Legal Counsel at Capitol City Group, where he represented clients across higher education, healthcare, broadband, and financial services, and Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Assistant Attorney General for the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General.

“Ryan’s background in public policy, law, and strategic leadership will be invaluable to our mission of advancing the business and professional interests of our members,” said Thomas Pechillo, PE, President of ACEC-RI. “His ability to build relationships, navigate complex regulatory environments, and deliver results makes him the right leader to guide ACEC-RI into the future.”

Holt, a Providence native and graduate of Northeastern University School of Law and Providence College, currently serves on the Providence Zoning Board. He recently founded The Holt Firm, LLC, a law and government relations firm that he will continue to operate in addition to his role with ACEC-RI.

“I’m honored to join ACEC-RI and to advocate for the engineers and firms that are vital to our economy and way of life,” said Holt. “Engineering drives economic growth, innovation, and sustainability and I look forward to helping our members continue to lead in these critical areas.”

For more information about ACEC-RI, visit www.acec-ri.org.

Media Contact:
Ryan J. Holt
American Council of Engineering Companies of Rhode Island
Email: rjh@theholtfirm.com
Phone: 401-965-5001