Governor McKee Nominates Donna Sams to Serve on the Public Utilities Commission
Photo courtesy of Governor’s Office
PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee nominated Donna Sams to serve on the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
“Lowering energy prices is one of my top priorities. That’s why my Affordability for All proposal includes $1 billion in energy savings for Rhode Island families and businesses over the next five years. I know that Donna Sams shares this commitment to providing relief to Rhode Islanders who need it now more than ever,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Donna’s leadership and experience will make her an invaluable asset to the Commission, and I look forward to working with her.”
The PUC is a quasi-public state agency that ensures the safe, reliable, and reasonably priced utility services like electric, gas, water, and telecommunications. The PUC is also responsible for regulating utility rates, setting service standards, and overseeing public utilities.
Sams brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience across the healthcare, retail, technology, and nonprofit sectors. She most recently served as a partner and senior consultant at Spencer Consulting Group, where she specialized in strategic planning development for corporate, nonprofit, and public sector organizations. Prior to this role, Sams served as an information technology executive at Fortune 50 companies, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and CVS Caremark Corporation.
She was nominated to serve on the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Board of Directors in 2015, and we were reappointed by Governor McKee in 2023.
Sams earned her BA from Clark University and an MS from Amridge University.
“I am deeply appreciative of Governor McKee for nominating me for this position. I have always felt that wherever I was living and working, I also needed to do what I could to contribute,” said Sams. “I have consistently done that and been privileged to work with great people to do good in this State. During these times, there is so much more to do, and I am honored to be considered for this role, which will give me the opportunity to do more to positively impact the lives of the families in Rhode Island.”
Sams’s name has been submitted to the Rhode Island Senate for advice and consent.
