#MiddletownRI Town Planner Ronald Wolanski is the winner of the 2025 Robert M. Goodrich Distinguished Public Service Award, a prestigious recognition from the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council. Congrats to Ron for his great work for our community!
TOWN PLANNER WOLANSKI WINS MAJOR AWARD
MIDDLETOWN, RI (OCTOBER 6, 2025) – Ronald M. Wolanski is the winner of a major statewide award.
The Town of Middletown learned this week that the longtime town planner was selected to receive the 2025 Robert M. Goodrich Distinguished Public Service Award.
The prize is given out annually by the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) to the municipal employee who exemplifies the dedication and drive to serve the public and advance the community’s goals in a meaningful way.
The always humble Wolanski thanked Middletown, its Planning Board and RIPEC for the recognition, which he said was an honor and one he’d never forget.
“Working for the Town of Middletown has been a passion since I first started here in March 2002,” Wolanski said. “Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined accomplishing what we’ve accomplished here. I am forever grateful for the opportunity and the belief that’s been invested in me.”
Wolanski was nominated for the Goodrich Award by his boss Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown.
Brown earned the Goodrich Award in 2011, followed in 2012 by now retired Police Chief Anthony M. Pesare.
They are the lone winners of the Goodrich Award, which has been bestowed by RIPEC since 1976.
“Ron is Middletown,” Brown said. “He’s worked for more than two decades here and has helped shape our community in a positive and lasting way. If you look at every corner of the town, there isn’t a place where Ron hasn’t positively impacted with his efforts. We’re lucky to have him.”
Letters of support for Wolanski’s nomination were also submitted by the Town Council, Wolanski’s colleagues in Town Hall and others.
When Brown is out of the office for extended periods, Wolanski frequently serves as acting town administrator in his absence.
As part of his duties with the town, Wolanski has been involved with the review of every major development in Middletown for more than 20 years. He’s also worked hard to maintain and grow the town’s economic base.
This has included everything from significant building construction to reworking the design standards that guide the look and feel of Middletown, promoting affordable housing and more.
“A lot gets thrown at Ron everyday and I can’t think of one instance where he wasn’t more than prepared to handle it,” Town Council President Paul M. Rodrigues said. “Even better, Ron treats everyone the same and with a class and grace that’s rare. His work here will be felt long after he decides to retire.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-RIPEC
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
Public Affairs Officer
401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.gov