PC Degrees:   Bachelor of Arts—Letters        

PC Activities: Friars Club, Student Congress, The Cowl, Veritas, ROTC, Public Information Office staff

Career Path:   David A. Duffy, Chair of the Rhode Island Center Authority, is the retired Chairman of Duffy & Shanley, a Providence-based advertising, marketing, public relations and interactive firm.  Prior to founding the agency in 1973, Duffy served as a special assistant to the Assistant U.S. Secretary of Transportation in Washington, D.C.  He also worked on special projects for the late Governor and Vice President Nelson A. Rockefeller.  In 2002, Duffy served as Transition Director for Rhode Island's newly-elected Governor, Donald L. Carcieri.

Extensively involved in the community, Duffy is past Chair of the National Board of Directors of the National Conference for Community and Justice, a member of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, a Director of Citizens Bank of Rhode Island and Connecticut, a Trustee of the Narragansett Insured Tax-Free Income Fund, a Trustee of  Rhode Island Hospital, Vice Chair of Rhode Island’s Select Commission on Race and Police Community Relations, past Chair and current member of the Executive Committee of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, founding Chair of the Rhode Island Sports Council, and a member of the Board of Advisors of the Rhode Island Commodores.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions and achievements, Duffy has received numerous awards and honors, including the “Never Again” award from the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, Amby Smith Award for contributions to Rhode Island Sports, Leadership Rhode Island’s Annual Community Service Award, the “Golden Anchor” Lifetime Achievement Award from the Public Relations Society of America, and the “Anchor of Hope” award for lifetime service to Catholic education.

Family: Wife Heidi Kirk Duffy; Children Jennifer, Jonathan, and Jeremy (PC class of 1993)     

Staying Involved:  In the past, Duffy has served as a member and as vice chair of the Providence College Board of Trustees, and as the president of PC’s National Alumni Association.  Currently, Duffy is the chairman of the Providence College President’s Council and Dominic Hall Restoration Foundation.  He has received PC’s Distinguished Service Award for his contributions.

Memorable Quotes:    “Keep pushing the rock forward.”