Rhode Island FC Names New Business Operations President
The appointment provides permanent leadership for the team and its Pawtucket stadium as event demand increases through 2027.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
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Rhode Island FC has appointed Lou DePaoli as president of business operations to oversee the team and its Pawtucket-based stadium. DePaoli succeeds Declan Bolger, who served as interim president since July 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment signals a shift toward full-time leadership as Rhode Island FC scales operations at its 10,500-seat stadium. Establishing long-term administrative stability is critical for maximizing venue utilization and managing complex multi-tenant schedules.
Centreville Bank Stadium, a 10,500-seat facility built for $130 million, currently hosts 50 events annually. DePaoli brings over 30 years of industry experience to manage these operations.
The players
Lou DePaoli
An executive with over 30 years of experience in sports team management and consulting.
Declan Bolger
The former interim president who led team business operations starting in July 2026.
Rhode Island FC
A professional sports organization and primary tenant of the Pawtucket-based Centreville Bank Stadium.
Prodigy Search
A specialized recruitment firm that managed the search for the club's new president.
The details
DePaoli joins as the organization prepares for an expanded event calendar that includes the Rhode Island Lights Festival and the arrival of the Rhode Island Breakers in 2027. His role focuses on venue management and team operations, moving away from his previous work in executive search and consulting. Prodigy Search managed the recruitment process to find a permanent leader for the site.
Timeline
July 2026: Declan Bolger began his role as interim president.
October 26, 2026: The club announced the hiring of Lou DePaoli.
Late November 2026: The Rhode Island Lights Festival begins at the stadium.
Early January 2027: The Rhode Island Lights Festival concludes.
2027: The Rhode Island Breakers begin hosting games at the venue.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows the 2023 opening of Centreville Bank Stadium, marking a move toward professionalized venue management. This transition reflects a broader trend of sports clubs prioritizing permanent, experienced executive oversight as they scale venue utilization beyond primary league schedules.
Operators should monitor how the transition in leadership impacts the venue's event capacity and tenant scheduling. Establishing clear communication channels with the new management team is essential for businesses planning future event partnerships at the stadium.
The takeaway
The move underscores the importance of filling permanent operational roles to support capital-intensive facilities. Operators should evaluate their own bench strength to ensure continuity during growth phases or shifts in venue usage.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit People.
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