PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee on Aug 27th, announced his appointment of Dr. Jill Hume Harrison to serve on the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.

Dr. Harrison is a sociologist currently working at Rhode Island College (RIC) as a professor of Sociology and the Director of the Justice Studies Program. 

“Jill’s extensive background in sociology and justice studies brings valuable perspective and insight to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Her passion and knowledge in this field will help the commission continue its mission to uphold and ensure the highest standards of integrity in our state.”

Dr. Harrison has also served as a consultant and researcher with the Culture of Wellness for the Maine State Prison and was an ad-hoc Spanish language interpreter for Maine’s Bureau of Intergovernmental Drug Enforcement. Previously, she provided seven years of meditation and cognitive behavior training to the incarcerated at the RI Department of Corrections and continues to offer on-site Title VII and DEI training to cadets.

Dr. Harrison earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of New Hampshire and holds a B.A. from Wells College and an M.A. from George Mason University.

Dr. Harrison is a registered Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, an active member of Jamestown’s Juvenile Hearing Board, and chaired RIC’s Student Conduct Board from 2012 to 2023.

“I am honored to serve on the Ethics Commission where I am committed to applying my background in sociology to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency,” said Dr. Harrison. “As a social scientist, I bring to the Commission an understanding of social behavior, institutional dynamics, and the consequences of decisions that affect social groups and communities. These skills can enhance and ensure that the Commission’s decisions are fair, equitable, and aligned with the public interest.”