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 Dana M. Newbrook, AIA (licensed architect)
  • Vice-Chairperson: Commissioner Mark J. Blackburn, P.E. (licensed professional engineer)
    • Commissioner Stuart D. Pearson (volunteer fire chiefs representative)
    • Commissioner Robert M. Walker, Jr. (building inspectors representative)
    • Commissioner Frank M. Sylvester (permanent fire chiefs representative)
    • Commissioner Rodger Booth (fire protection industry representative)
    • Commissioner Barbara J. Thornton, AIA (public representative)
    • Commissioner Dorothy S. Davison, Esq. (public representative)
    • Commissioner Carol O'Donnell (industry representative)
    • Commissioner Jeffrey Muto (labor representative)
    • Commissioner Michael Spaziani (public / small business representative)

Executive Director: W. Keith Burlingame, Esq.

Assistant Administrative Officer: Sallie D. Mazzur

Administrative Assistant: Desiree M. Campanini

Board Membership Opportunities

The Board is seeking applicants to fill a number of positions over the next several months.  If you are interested in serving on the Board, 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 clicking here.