The Pawtucket Foundation — 25th Awards Celebration

A Letter from the Executive Director

Building Pawtucket's Future, Together

Welcome to The Pawtucket Foundation's 25th Awards Celebration, commemorating a quarter century of impact as well as our illustrious class of 2026 honorees. Tonight is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the extraordinary momentum shaping our city's future. We gather here as catalysts for investment, collaboration, and visionary leadership that advances Pawtucket toward an even more prosperous future.

Pawtucket is rising to meet a defining moment in its history. From the continued growth surrounding Tidewater Landing and Rhode Island FC to the expanding possibilities created by the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center, our city is emerging as a dynamic hub for commerce, culture, housing, and entertainment. Strategic investments are reactivating our riverfront, revitalizing downtown, and positioning Pawtucket as a regional center of influence.

These developments reflect a collective belief in the promise of Pawtucket.

At The Pawtucket Foundation, we believe meaningful transformation requires partnership across every sector. Government leaders, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, philanthropists, and residents each have a vital role in shaping a city that is attractive, livable, sustainable, and inclusive. We remain committed to investing not only in physical infrastructure, but also in our human capital.

This past year has shown what is possible when vision is matched with action. The energy surrounding Pawtucket is undeniable, and the opportunities ahead are substantial. Yet our greatest strength continues to be our people. Tonight's gathering of dedicated individuals and organizations demonstrates our shared willingness to work collectively in pursuit of something greater than ourselves.

As we honor tonight's award recipients, let us also renew our commitment to building a Pawtucket that is vibrant, equitable, innovative, and resilient for generations to come.

Pawtucket's future is bright, and together, we are building it.

Gaetan L. Kashala

Executive Director, The Pawtucket Foundation

Tonight at a Glance

Registration & Refreshments5:30 PM

Opening Remarks6:10 PM

Mayor's Remarks6:15 PM

Awards Program6:20 PM

Governor's Remarks7:00 PM

Networking7:10 PM

Bar Closes7:30 PM

View Full Program →

Class of 2026

Meet the Honorees

Exceptional leaders whose contributions continue to make a lasting impact on the Pawtucket community.

Heritage Award

Congressman Gabe Amo

First District · U.S. House of Representatives

A Pawtucket native and the son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants, Congressman Amo has dedicated his career to public service, focusing on economic opportunity, support for working families, and investments in infrastructure, education, and community development across Rhode Island. The Heritage Award recognizes his unwavering commitment to enhancing Pawtucket's economic vitality and quality of life. His leadership and advocacy have helped preserve, promote, and celebrate the city's rich heritage, culture, and vibrant community spirit.

Development Award

Elizabeth "Liz" Catucci

Executive Director · Partnership for Rhode Island

Liz Catucci is Executive Director of the Partnership for Rhode Island, where she collaborates with the state's leading employers to advance economic development, workforce growth, infrastructure, and business attraction initiatives. Previously, as President and CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, she championed small businesses and guided the business community through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Development Award recognizes Liz's exceptional contributions to economic opportunity and mobility in Pawtucket. Through her collaborative leadership and commitment to community growth, she has helped strengthen the city's economy and enhance quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

Person of the Year

Harold "Hal" Horvat

President & CEO · Centreville Bank

Hal Horvat is President and CEO of Centreville Bank, one of Rhode Island's longest-standing community banks, where he leads with a focus on innovation, customer service, and community impact. Under his leadership, Centreville Bank has strengthened its support for local businesses, nonprofits, and economic development initiatives across the region. A respected financial and civic leader, Hal is deeply committed to strengthening Rhode Island communities and expanding opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs. His leadership, vision, and dedication have made a lasting impact on Pawtucket's economic vitality and civic life, exemplifying the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and service celebrated by the Person of the Year Award.

May 26, 2026 · Centreville Bank Stadium

Order of Proceedings

5:30

Registration & Light Refreshments

Welcome drinks and hors d'oeuvres · Main entrance

6:10

Opening Remarks

Dan Sullivan & Jeremy Duffy

6:15

Remarks from Mayor Donald Grebien

City of Pawtucket

6:20

Awards Program

2026 Honorees recognized

Development Award

Elizabeth "Liz" Catucci

Heritage Award

Congressman Gabe Amo

Person of the Year

Harold "Hal" Horvat

7:00

Remarks from Governor Dan McKee

State of Rhode Island

7:05

Program Close

Gaetan L. Kashala, Executive Director

7:10

Networking

Bar closes at 7:30 PM

A Quarter Century of Impact

25 Years of the Pawtucket Foundation

Since 2001, a catalyst for investment, collaboration, and visionary leadership across Pawtucket and Rhode Island.

Years of Community Impact

75+

Leaders Recognized

Annual Award Celebrations

2001

Foundation Established

The Pawtucket Foundation is founded with a mission to advance economic development, foster community partnerships, and champion the growth and vitality of the City of Pawtucket.

2002

First Awards Celebration

The inaugural Awards Celebration launches a tradition of honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership strengthens Pawtucket's community fabric and economic vitality.

2018

Riverfront Revitalization

Foundation advocacy and investment catalyzes a major riverfront revitalization effort, reactivating Pawtucket's waterfront and positioning the city as a destination for commerce and culture.

2021

Tidewater Landing & Rhode Island FC

A transformational development anchored by Rhode Island FC at Centreville Bank Stadium reshapes Pawtucket's identity as a regional hub for sports, entertainment, and economic growth.

2024

Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center

Expanding regional connectivity, the new transit center positions Pawtucket at the heart of Rhode Island's transportation network, supporting housing, commerce, and sustainable growth.

2026

25th Awards Celebration

Tonight, we mark a quarter century of impact — celebrating Pawtucket's extraordinary momentum, its rising national profile as a Top 50 Up-and-Coming Small City, and the leaders who made it all possible.

Community

Words from Our Leaders

"I'm proud to recognize the honorees for their dedication and contributions to our City. Their leadership and commitment continue to strengthen our community and move Pawtucket forward. This celebration reflects the progress we've made together and the bright future ahead."

Mayor Donald R. Grebien

City of Pawtucket

"Progress means leading alongside your community — listening first, building strong partnerships, and sustaining the work that helps communities thrive over time."

Centreville Bank

On Hal Horvat, Person of the Year

"We're proud to stand with The Pawtucket Foundation and celebrate another remarkable year of community growth, leadership, and impact."

Collette

Event Sponsor

"Celebrating the people and partners shaping Pawtucket's future — and congratulations to The Pawtucket Foundation on 25 years of extraordinary impact."

Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP

Providence · Boston · Southcoast

Share Your Evening

Help Us Memorialize This Milestone Night

The 25th Awards Celebration deserves to live beyond this evening. Submit your photos, videos, and reflections — your contributions will become part of the official Foundation archive and may be featured in our post-event publication.

We welcome photos with honorees, candid moments, personal reflections, and any memories that captured the spirit of tonight.

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Photos & Videos

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Quotes & Reflections

Share what this evening meant to you or your organization

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Honoree Tributes

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25th Anniversary Archive

Your contributions will be preserved in the Foundation's permanent record

From Past Celebrations

"The Pawtucket Foundation doesn't just celebrate what Pawtucket is — it invests in what Pawtucket can become."

2025 Awards Celebration

"Twenty-five years of bringing people together around a shared vision for one city. That's not a milestone — that's a movement."

Community Leader · 2024

Submit Your Memories

Submissions accepted now through June 30, 2026

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Thank You!

Your contribution has been received and will be reviewed by The Pawtucket Foundation team. It may be featured in the official 25th Anniversary memorial publication. We're grateful you were here tonight.

With Gratitude

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Pawtucket Foundation extends sincere gratitude to all sponsors, partners, and supporters whose generosity made the 2026 Awards Celebration possible.

Your support strengthens our mission to advance economic development, foster community partnerships, and champion the continued growth and vitality of the City of Pawtucket. Because of your investment in this event and in our community, we are able to celebrate the individuals, organizations, and initiatives that continue to move Pawtucket forward.