Members of the Board

The original Fire Safety Code Commission was established in 1966 by Title 23 Chapter 28.3 of the Rhode Island General Laws. The statute was amended in 1975 to rename the commission as the Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal and Review. The eleven (11) board members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for six (6) year terms. The Governor further designates one member to serve as the Chairperson for a two (2) year term.

  • CHAIRPERSON
    Commissioner Mark J. Blackburn, P.E. (licensed professional engineer)
  • VICE-CHAIRPERSON
    Commissioner Barbara J. Thornton, AIA (public representative)

  • Commissioner Robert M. Walker, Jr. (building inspectors representative)
  • Commissioner Rodger Booth (fire protection industry representative)
  • Commissioner Carol A. O'Donnell (industry representative)
  • Commissioner Jeffrey Muto (volunteer fire chiefs representative)
  • Commissioner Michael Spaziani (public / small business representative)
  • Commissioner Joseph L. Walsh, Jr. (labor representative)
  • Commissioner John P. Horan (public representative)
  • Commissioner Richard J. Mancini (permanent fire chiefs representative)
  • Vacancy (licensed architect) -- Gubernatorial appointment pending

Executive Director: W. Keith Burlingame, Esq.

Assistant Administrative Officer: Sallie D. Mazzur

Administrative Assistant: Desiree M. Campanini

Board Membership Opportunities

There are currently openings for membership on the Board for a building inspector representative, architect and/or a public member.  If you are interested in serving, feel free to contact the Board's Executive Director for more information or you may convey your interest directly to the Governor's office by using this link.