2018 Inductee

Since his late teens, Roger Begin has dedicated himself to serving the people of Rhode Island and representing his hometown of Woonsocket. After being elected to the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1972 at the age of 19, Begin went on to serve as the General Treasurer (1985-1989) and Lieutenant Governor (1989-1993), ascending to the State’s second-highest office after beginning his career in politics less than 20 years before. While in office, Begin was known for being well-liked by his colleagues and for his ability to work with others. 

After choosing not to run for reelection in 1992, Governor Sundlun appointed Begin chairman of the Board of Elections, which he oversaw until he stepped down from his position in 2006.

In addition to his political service, Begin worked to promote Woonsocket’s importance to the rest of the state. His most lasting contribution was the founding of Autumnfest in 1978, a three-day-long festival that welcomes thousands to the city every Columbus Day weekend.

Begin has also served on the boards of numerous organizations, including as Chair of the Rhode Island Historical Society, Chair of the Meeting Street Center, and as a trustee of the Advisory Board of Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Joint Board of Trustees of Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital.

Begin currently serves as honorary consul for France in Rhode Island and as Senior Vice President & Private Client Advisor at F.L.Putnam Investment Management Company. In September 2021, he was granted the title of Chevalier in the Legion of Honor by the Ambassador of France to the United States.