Councilman Rick Lawson

Rick Lawson is a third-generation native of Riverside. He graduated from East Providence High School before joining the United States Air Force where he was trained to be a Command and Control Specialist. After completing the training, he was given a Top Secret security clearance and assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing at Pease AFB New Hampshire, which was part of the Strategic Air Command that maintained the US nuclear deterrent force.

After completing his time with the military, he returned to Rhode Island where he since remained a resident. Lawson worked various jobs before joining Bradley Hospital where he worked as a Mileau Therapist in the hospital's Developmentally Disabled Unit. During his time there, he developed an interest in information technology and later graduated from CCRI with a concentration in IT.

Lawson transferred from Bradley to Lifespan's IT Department where he worked for five years. In 2012, Lawson joined Brown University as an IT Support Consultant.

When he is not working or at the dais as a member of the City Council representing Ward 4, he may be found volunteering in the community. Lawson has been a member of the East Providence Arts Council since 2014, where he served as chairman for six years.

In addition, Lawson served on the Veterans Advisory Committee, the Beautification Commission, Carousel Commission, City Democratic Committee as a Ward 4 representative and is currently a member of the East Providence Waterfront Commission.