PROVIDENCE – Maryellen Butke, the founder and executive director of RI-CAN – the Rhode Island Campaign for Achievement Now – is stepping down after two and a half years as the advocacy group’s executive director.
Butke, who announced her decision on Monday in a letter to RI-CAN e-newsletter subscribers, said she was proud of all that RI-CAN had accomplished, but was stepping down to focus on her campaign for the state Senate, District 3 in Providence.
“This isn’t the end of my journey as an advocate for kids but just another chapter in a story that began when I was pulled into this work to advocate for my own children,” said Butke.
She added that RI-CAN will begin its search for a new executive director within the next few weeks. Until then, Ashley Daigneault, the organization’s public affairs and policy manager, will take the helm at the education reform advocacy organization.
“Thank you for partnering with me and with RI-CAN in the fight to give every Rhode Island child access to a great public school. It has been an absolute privilege advocating alongside you,” Butke finished.