Joseph Napolillo

I’m a technology and operations leader whose career has taken me from retail and multi-site operations to IT leadership, public education, and now the Rhode Island Department of Education, where I serve as Director of the Office of Data and Technology Services. Through it all, the common thread has been pretty simple: I like making things work better.

Over the years, I’ve worked across technology, operations, customer service, team leadership, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and K–12 education. My role at RIDE brings those experiences together in a new way, supporting the systems, data, and technology that help Rhode Island’s schools, educators, and students succeed.

I’ve always been a hands-on, people-first leader. I’m just as comfortable looking at the big picture and planning for the future as I am rolling up my sleeves and helping solve whatever problem is in front of me. I believe good leadership starts with listening, treating people well, earning trust, and never getting so far removed from the work that you forget the people doing it.

Technology is a big part of who I am, but I’ve never believed technology should be the answer just because it’s technology. Sometimes the best solution is a better system. Sometimes it’s a better process, clearer communication, or simply getting the right people together and asking, “Why are we doing it this way?”

What excites me most about this next chapter is the opportunity to make a difference on a larger scale. Having spent years supporting technology in a local school district, I understand how much happens behind the scenes to keep schools running. Now, I have the opportunity to bring that perspective to the state level, helping connect people, improve systems, and make technology and data work better for the people who rely on them.

Outside of work, I’m a lifelong Rhode Islander and lifelong musician. I’ve played music for most of my life, own more guitars than I can reasonably justify, and still believe there aren’t many problems that can’t be helped by good music, a dog nearby, and a little humor.

“To be great at something, you must come at it with passion, or not at all.”