United Way of RI Appoints New Members to its Board of Directors
Chris Budris, Greg Cornett, and Rachel Cope elected to three-year terms
United Way of Rhode Island has appointed three distinguished community leaders to its Board of Directors, each bringing valuable insight and a shared commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for all Rhode Islanders. The newly elected board members will help guide the organization’s efforts as it continues to implement its LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan.
Joining the United Way board are Chris Budris, Greg Cornett, and Rachel Cope.
“As we work to build a more inclusive, resilient, and strong Rhode Island, these leaders bring the vision, expertise, and heart that define what it means to live united,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO. “Their individual dedication to community and to driving meaningful change will play an important role in helping to move our mission forward.”
Chris Budris is SVP, Chief Financial Officer for Gilbane Building Company, and a certified public accountant. He has more than 30 years of experience in construction in roles that include international operations, finance, and business, and is lauded as a problem solver and team motivator. An active community member and nonprofit supporter, Chris is passionate about developing the next generation of leaders. He holds an MBA in Finance from Michigan State University and a BA in Finance from Truman State University, and is a resident of East Greenwich.
Greg Cornett is the president of Rhode Island Energy, the largest utility in the Ocean State, serving more than 700,000 local electric and gas customers. Greg is responsible for overseeing legislative and regulatory strategy, external affairs, and local communications. He takes pride in a strategic and collaborative approach to his work and is a graduate of multiple leadership programs, including the Wharton Executive Development Program. In addition to his with United Way, Greg serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. He holds a law degree from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law. He is a resident of Pawtucket.
Rachel Cope serves as Staff SVP, Head of Financial Planning & Analysis for FM, having joined the company in England as VP, Finance Director. Previously, she worked at KPMG in the U.K. and with Freedman Frankl & Taylor, an accounting firm in Manchester, England. Rachel moved to the United States in 2019 to take on a new role at FM’s headquarters in Johnston, RI. She is an active member of United Way’s Women United affinity group and has been recognized by Business Insurance magazine as a “Women to Watch.” Rachel resides in Barrington.
