Sixth Term the Charm for Mayor Scott Avedisian

His impressions of the Armenian community reach a pinnacle in Rhode Island stature.

“They’re hard working and intensely loyal people,” he says. “I get a lot of support and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for the Armenian community when asked.”

Avedisian was greatly influenced by Haiganush Bedrosian, who was recently appointed family court judge in Rhode Island, and Aram Garabedian, a former political leader. A photo of him being administered the oath of office by Bedrosian was published in the Providence Journal, on January 5. A second photo of the two leaders chatting also made the edition.

His political record stands on merit. After serving in state government offices, Avedisian ran for City Council in 1990. He was re-elected to that office for the next four terms. In 1999, then-Mayor Lincoln Chafee was appointed to his late father’s seat in the United States Senate.

Avedisian was elected mayor in 2000 and has not yet left the office. In each election, he has captured every ward and polling district, showing his reach. Also, at this year’s inauguration, the Very Rev. Gomidas Baghsarian, pastor, St. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, offered prayers.

In his acceptance speech, Avedisian told his constituents, “I know there are some out there who might say this administration is tired. That can’t be further from the truth. I’m approaching this new term with renewed enthusiasm and vigor.”

“Each day my administration and I make decisions that affect the daily lives of our residents,” he points out. “None of us takes this responsibility lightly.

The youngest child of the late George and Jacqueline Avedisian, the mayor’s grandfather (Arsen Avedisian) was also active in the Armenian community and was the real estate broker that founded an Episcopal church on Broadway in Providence, which later became home to St. Vartanantz Church.

Avedisian was honored with the Haig Sarafian Award by the Armenian Students Association, given for outstanding citizenship, and was named Armenian of the Year by the Armenian Masonic Degree Team. He is a 1987 graduate of Providence College and secured a master’s degree in public administration from Roger Williams University.

Avedisian was named a Rodel Fellow at the Aspen Institute, a bipartisan group of elected officials charged with reclaiming the middle ground of American politics.

He is currently president of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island — the highest position any layman can have in the church. He’s served on the board of St. Mary’s Home for Children over the past two decades.