About - RIRWA

The Rhode Island Rural Water Association was established in 2021 to address the state’s increasing demand for drinking water and wastewater protection. Our staff collaborates with local organizations to serve the community and supports any need our members encounter, including our regularly updated operator training courses, comprehensive wellhead protection planning, and detailed leak detection. We are a non-profit trade association that provides training, technical assistance, and source water protection to the rural and small utilities in RI.

We’re an association that offers a wide range of resources and water services to you, including on-site training and map development.

This support would not be possible without the backing from the National Rural Water Association by the United States Congress, and their partnership with the USDA Rural Utilities Service, the Farm Service Agency, and the Environmental Protection Agency. We also partner with the Rhode Island Department of Health through significant grant projects and technical assistance. We are proud to provide our associate members with representation in the regulatory and legislative process for rural and small utilities.

Board Of Directors

Jimmy Folco Jr. – Board President

Albert DiBiassio- Vice President

Steven Miozzi- Secretary

John Marginson- Treasurer

Brian Murphy – Board Member

Staff

Jim Folco
Executive Director, Rhode Island Rural Water Association (RIRWA)

Email: jfolco@rirwa.org

Jim Folco serves as the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Rural Water Association (RIRWA), where he leads the organization’s mission to support and advance the quality of water services across rural communities in the state. With a strong background in the water industry—particularly in backflow prevention—Jim brings both technical expertise and strategic leadership to his role.

He attended the University of Rhode Island and the University of Massachusetts, where he concentrated in Economics and History. This academic foundation, combined with years of hands-on industry experience, gives Jim a unique perspective on the operational and regulatory challenges facing rural water systems.

Passionate about protecting public health and promoting sustainable water practices, Jim is dedicated to supporting water professionals through training, advocacy, and technical assistance.

Outside of work, Jim enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children. He’s an avid fisherman and golfer who values the balance of family, nature, and community.

Matthew Young – Deputy Director / EPA Training Specialist

Email: myoung@rirwa.org

Matthew holds a BS in Environmental Earth Science with a concentration in Sustainable Energy Science from Eastern Connecticut State University. He spent eight years working for an environmental analytical laboratory as a project manager. He worked with public water systems, environmental consultant agencies, as well as private well owners throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. His primary focus was to assist clients with sampling and analysis to meet their groundwater monitoring requirements. Matthew also has experience working with various agencies in monitoring and reporting of their environmental compliance to regulatory bodies. He has greatly enjoyed his years of working with the public to help educate and inform them about clean drinking water and environmental safety.

Virginia Bragger – Wastewater Technician

Email: virginia@rirwa.org

Virginia Bragger has dedicated her career to the water works industry. In 2000, she was hired full time to work in the family business, A.E. Bragger Construction and has not looked back since. Her father and grandfather took her under their wing and taught her everything she needed to know about water works. She started in the trenches laying pipe, repairing water breaks and installing water lines for commercial, residential, and municipalities.

The family business closed in 2015 and she started working as a Service Technician for E.J. Prescott Inc. Lincoln RI. In 2017, EJP awarded Virginia the Service Tech of the year because she doubled sales in the department and always works with a can-do attitude. In 2021, she moved to inside sales at EJP, where she again started from the bottom and worked her way up. She worked her way up the ladder in the industry organizations too. She served on the Board for National Utility Contractors of RI, National Utility Contractors Association; VP New England, National Association of Women in Construction; RI Chapter President and multiple committee chairs, RI Backflow Preventer Association; Former Board Member, RI Rural Water Association; Former Board Member. Virginia was hired December 2022 as the Circuit Rider for RIRWA. She has put RIRWA on the map for premier CR service and is now excited for what the future holds as she takes on her new role in Wastewater.

Alex Lord – Wastewater Technician

Email: alord@rirwa.org

Alex Lord is a dedicated Wastewater Technician at the Rhode Island Rural Water Association, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective treatment and distribution of clean water. With a background rooted in water treatment and distribution, he brings extensive expertise in water metering, meter testing, backflow protection, and cross-connection surveying to his current role.

Passionate about sustainability and environmental stewardship, Alex is committed to safeguarding clean water and promoting a healthy environment for all. His career is marked by a deep-seated dedication to improving water quality standards and implementing innovative solutions in water and wastewater management.

Outside of work, Alex finds joy in camping with his family and exploring the outdoors. His love for nature not only fuels his personal interests but also underscores his commitment to preserving natural resources for future generations.

Alex Lord’s contributions to water management and environmental conservation exemplify his unwavering commitment to ensuring access to clean water and a sustainable environment for rural communities across Rhode Island.

Louis Folco – Apprenticeship Coordinator

Email: lfolco@rirwa.org

Louis Folco is the Apprenticeship Coordinator for Rhode Island Rural Water Association. His previous professional experiences include academic libraries, transportation, and backflow prevention. As a committed lifelong learner, Louis strives to meet the needs and desires of aspiring apprentices and that of local water and wastewater systems.

He holds a B.A. degree in Foreign Languages from the University of Rhode Island.

George Beaulieu – Circuit Rider

Email: george@rirwa.org

George Beaulieu serves as a Circuit Rider for the Rhode Island Rural Water Association (RIRWA), bringing over ten years of experience in the water industry. His background covers systems of all sizes — from single-service operations to large utilities serving more than 8,500 customers. He is certified by the Rhode Island Department of Health as a Treatment Level 3 and Distribution Level 4 operator, holds Level 2 assessment certification, and is a Certified Backflow Tester. George is proficient in SCADA systems, compliance, and regulatory reporting, and is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of water quality and safety. His technical knowledge, hands-on field experience, and commitment to excellence make him a trusted resource and advocate for Rhode Island’s water systems.

Brooke Sarmento – Administrative Assistant

Email: bsarmento@rirwa.org

Brooke graduated cum laude from Salve Regina University last year with her B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. In 2022, she worked as a marketing assistant for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, where she participated in both event planning and social media management. During her senior year, she held an internship with the RIDEM in their Water Resources department, focusing primarily on nonpoint source pollution management and their publications.

Her particular interest in GIS led to her acceptance into the Geographic Information Systems M.S. program at Johns Hopkins University. She is currently taking time off from her studies to explore more environmental interests and is excited to join the team as our administrative assistant. She hopes this can lead to more opportunities with rural water management in the future.