Our Staff

Caroline Skuncik (Skoo-nick) is the Executive Director of the I-195 Redevelopment District. She oversees the organization's day-to-day activities including operations of 195 District Park, implements strategic initiatives, and leads all development activities associated with redeveloping 26 acres of former highway land.

Ms. Skuncik joined the District in 2017 and has been the Executive Director since 2019. In her tenure as Executive Director she has structured public-private partnerships resulting in more than 1.4 million square feet of completed, under construction, and planned development including residential, commercial, life science, and hospitality. Most recently she led the effort to forge a private-public partnership and successfully secure federal funds for the new Rhode Island State Health Labs/ PVD Labs. Prior to joining the District, Ms. Skuncik worked at the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation where she led the Corporation's real estate investment activities under the Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit and Tax Increment Financing programs. Her prior experience includes working for a Boston-area real estate developer managing large real estate projects as well as for planning and public policy consulting firms. Ms. Skuncik currently serves on the board of the Women's Development Corporation. 

Ms. Skuncik holds a Master in City Planning degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BA in Sociology and Environmental Studies from the College of William and Mary.

Amber Ilcisko is the Director of Operations for the I-195 Redevelopment District. Ms. Ilcisko directs all operational and managerial matters for the District including its finances, procurement, property management, and regulatory and contract compliance. In addition, she is responsible for the management of 195 District Park. She also manages many of the District’s infrastructure and planning initiatives.

Prior to joining the District in 2015, she worked for the City of Providence for five years, serving three mayoral administrations. Most recently she worked with the City Planning Department. She held various other positions with the City as well, including roles with the Providence Redevelopment Agency, Department of Arts Culture and Tourism, and Office of Economic Development. 

She has a Master's degree in Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Community Planning from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University.

Jacob Nathan serves as Park Director for 195 District Park, a seven-acre park in the I-195 Redevelopment District. He oversees the park’s operations, programming, management, and community and stakeholder relations.

Prior to joining the District in the Fall of 2020, Mr. Nathan was the Director of Live Arts at AS220 in downtown Providence, where he oversaw multiple performance venues and special event production. He was also a Program Coordinator at the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy, where he assisted in the production of a summer series of family programs at Burnside Park in Kennedy Plaza.

He has a Master’s Degree in Communications from Clark University, where he also obtained his dual major BA in Communications and Music.

Leah Paladino is the Programming Manager for 195 District Park.  She is responsible for daily park programming, including supervising the park’s programming staff and overseeing daily set-up. She helps execute events of all sizes and leads any necessary permitting, licensing, and compliance for park activities.

 Prior to joining the team in March of 2024, Ms. Paladino held a supervisory role at Roger Williams Park Zoo, coordinating the daily operations of the admissions team.  She also spent three seasons as a Program Coordinator with the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy, bringing cultural events and family-friendly activities to Burnside Park and Kennedy Plaza.  She is well-versed in visitor services, community placemaking, and public programming. 
 
She holds a bachelor’s degree in childhood education from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.

Lauren Bullock is the Programming and Marketing Coordinator for the 195 District. Mrs. Bullock is responsible for developing marketing material, managing social media accounts, overseeing the park website, providing on-site support for park events, and monitoring the park for maintenance and security needs. She also works closely with the Programming Manager to develop and implement community-focused initiatives to create an inviting park environment. 
 
Prior to joining the District in the Spring of 2023, Mrs. Bullock worked at CVS Health headquarters in procurement. She also worked as the Social Media Manager for HappyNest, focusing on expanding brand visibility, increasing engagement, and supporting broader marketing initiatives across multiple platforms.
 
She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Salve Regina University. 

Kevin Rodriguez is the Office Manager for 195 District. He is responsible for the daily operation of the District's office and works closely with the Director of Operations to execute the necessary functions required for District projects to run smoothly and support the people who work to make them happen.

Prior to joining the team in August of 2025, Mr. Rodriguez’s experience includes over a decade of IT support and repair, supporting thousands in his career in both English and Spanish. At the same time, he has also been a part of the rich artistic fabric in Providence booking events, collaborating on, and managing important cultural moments locally and internationally as a tour manager and performer.

He holds an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Community College of Rhode Island.

Omar Bryan is the Assistant Project Manager for the 195 District. Mr. Bryan is responsible for supporting the predevelopment and closing process for redevelopment projects and collaborating with District staff, consultants, and development teams to coordinate zoning compliance, environmental permitting, and pre-closing requirements. He is also responsible for collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data relevant to the growth of the innovation district.

Prior to joining the District in the Fall of 2025, Mr. Bryan worked with Building Maintenance Optimization Consultants (BMOC) as an Asset Management Consultant where he worked with universities, municipalities, and corporations to implement data driven asset management strategies.

Mr. Bryan studied at the University of Rhode Island and holds a BS in Applied Economics and a BA in Political Science.