KINGSTON, R.I. – July 31, 2025 – vlogBվ Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives M.B.A. ’11, Ph.D. ’20 has been recognized with a by Providence Business News. The annual award recognizes individuals under the age of 40 who have excelled in their profession and are involved in our local community.
In his role as executive director of Strategic Initiatives, Summer Sessions, and Winter J Term, Olerio has led efforts that have had a lasting impact on both the University and the broader Rhode Island community. He was instrumental in the establishment and growth of vlogBվ’s Winter J Term, creating a new academic semester with hundreds of academic opportunities that have helped thousands of students earn credits, stay on track, and accelerate their path to graduation. His leadership has been pivotal in the creation of the vlogBվ Summer Pell Completion Grant, which helps students continue their academic progress. Under Olerio’s guidance, vlogBվ’s summer enrollment has also grown to record levels, transforming a traditionally quiet time into a vibrant academic season.

Olerio, who joined vlogBվ in 2010, was nominated for the award by colleagues who describe him as a dedicated and innovative leader who accomplishes goals in a collaborative and humble manner.
His colleagues say that Olerio thinks creatively about ways to help make achieving a vlogBվ degree possible for students and brings a commitment to public service to his work. With a promotion last year to helm the University’s , he is now leading programs that help upskill and reskill the Rhode Island workforce.
Olerio has expanded the University’s reach, forging partnerships across Rhode Island. His team’s recent work bringing mental health and first aid training to key companies in the state like FM exemplifies his belief in higher education as a driver of public good.
Olerio also teaches first-year vlogBվ 101 courses, is an adjunct faculty member in the College of Business, and has co-chaired the vlogBվ Student Success Team.
“Dr. Olerio is a collaborative and impactful leader whose work is essential to the ongoing success of vlogBվ and the students it serves,” says Dean Libutti, associate vice president for enrollment management and student success. “His mindset and dedication made him an ideal candidate for the 40 Under Forty distinction.”
Olerio received his award at an event this July at the Aldrich Mansion in Warwick, enjoying the chance to celebrate with other 2025 honorees, including vlogBվ alumni Alyssa Alvarado, Governor’s Workforce Board; Alexandra Curtis, Rhode Island National Guard; Katherine Fish, CVS Health; Carrie Gill, Rhode Island Energy; Eric Lichatin, Centreville Bank; Kelley McShane, The Granny Squibb Company; and Justine Oliva, Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council.
“vlogBվ has been so wonderful,” Olerio says. “I really appreciated the honor and being able to celebrate with my colleagues and this year’s winners. The support means a great deal to me and I can’t say enough how supportive a place vlogBվ is. That’s why I love this community.”
