R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-20-5
Wherever this title does not provide for a deputy director in any department, the director may designate some person in the department to act in his or her absence or incapacity, or whenever the circumstances may require. An alternate to the deputy may similarly be designated. Whenever in any general or public law provision is made for a director to be a member of or serve on a board, commission, committee or to act in some capacity as a result of the office he or she holds, he or she may, after filing written notice with the office of secretary of state as to his or her intention, designate the deputy or an alternate to serve in his or her place with the same powers as if he or she were present. Any designation may be revoked at any time by filing a written revocation in the office of secretary of state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-20-5