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"I believe Rhode Island is at a crossroads. As the next Treasurer of the state of Rhode Island, I will create an infrastructure of opportunity for our citizens and help our children and grandchildren on their pathway to success. We need to create an environment of growth and optimism." Throughout his career, Ernie Almonte has been a trusted voice of leadership in Rhode Island, known for his profound work ethic and his willingness to ask the tough questions. A lifelong Rhode Islander, he puts his financial expertise and visionary management skills to work for the betterment of his fellow citizens. He has never been afraid to hold our elected leaders accountable, but his primary focus is engaging people from different sides of an issue so that they can work together and make real progress. Proud Graduate of Rhode Island's Public Schools Ernie grew up in Johnston, RI and spent his summers working at Almacs Supermarket and the Stamp Farm, a family-owned farm founded more than 70 years ago He served as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician with the Johnston Fire Department and a reserve police officer with the Smithfield Police Department in the 1970s. A graduate of Johnston High School, he went on to Bryant University, where he earned a degree in business administration with a major in accounting, as well as a master's degree in taxation. He has since received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater. In 2008, Ernie completed Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government and Innovations in Governance. In addition to his professional work, Ernie currently serves as an adjunct professor at Brown University's Taubman Center for Public Policy, where he teaches a graduate-level course in Advanced Management and Organizational Strategies. Ernie is also the proud parent of five sons, all of whom attended schools in Rhode Island, and the dedicated husband of Rhode Island native Kathy (Nangle) Almonte. A Small Businesses Owner In 2011, Ernie founded the Almonte Group LLC, a full service accounting and consulting firm providing tax, audit, anti-fraud, expert witness testimony, forensic accounting and consulting services. While serving as Chief Visionary Officer of the Almonte Group, Ernie also provides leadership as President of Government Services and Chairman of the Board for Virtual DBS in North Kingstown, R.I. An Accomplished Financial Expert From 1994 to 2010, Ernie served as Rhode Island's Auditor General. In this role, he audited the $7 billion comprehensive report for the state and an annual $3 billion federal audit. He also had oversight of municipal, fraud and quasi-public agency audits. During his 16-year tenure, the office implemented a new policy mandating that all audit reports would be posted to the state's public website to ensure transparency and accountability. The numerous findings and recommendations can be viewed at the R.I. Auditor General's website. Nationally Recognized for Leadership and Citizenship Accounting Today has twice named Ernie Almonte one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the Accounting Profession. After serving as president of the Rhode Island Society of CPAs, Ernie became the first public servant to be elected as national chairman for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). In this role, he provided both visionary and strategic management of the organization, which includes 377,000 members across the country. He now serves as the chairman of AICPA's National Financial Literacy Commission. Ernie has served for the past three years as the Chairman of the U.S. Department of Defense Audit Committee, a role appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. He has also served as an appointee of the Comptroller General of the United States to the Government Auditing Standards Committee and as president of the National Association of State Auditors. Ernie has chaired the Rhode Island Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. He was also selected by the Secretary of the Air Force to attend the 54th National Security Forum at the Air War College. In addition to many other honors during his career, Ernie has received these awards: * The Department of the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal * RIPEC's Robert M. Goodrich Distinguished Public Service Award * The Giovanni da Verrazzano Man of the Year For Outstanding Service to the Rhode Island Community * The Rhode Island Society of CPAs' Centennial Outstanding CPA in Government