PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — R.I. House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi announced Thursday that he has tapped the state's former Department of Environmental Management (DEM) director to be an informal advisor. "I have known Janet for many years and there is no more knowledgeable expert in the environment al field," Shekarchi said. "Her perspective will be tremendously valuable as we head into the home stretch of our legislative session." "Given Janet's many commitments this spring, you may not see her regularly around the State House," he continued. "However, as she returns to Rhode Island from her stint in Washington, Janet is eager to help out in strengthening the policies that support healthy communities and our economy." Shekarchi said Coit will be assisting with legislative efforts in the "environmental and energy domain." Coit served as the director of the DEM from 2011 until 2021. She left her position to work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). She served in a variety of roles at NOAA, with her most recent being director of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Shekarchi said Janet Coit will be "lending expertise" to House leadership on a volunteer basis throughout this legislative session. Prior to her time at the DEM, Coit headed the state's chapter of The Nature Conservancy and worked on environmental policy with former Sens. John and Lincoln Chafee. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less