Rhoades Alderson, director of communications for Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, is leaving that post to take a job at the New Harbor Group, the Providence communications firm that is home to such savvy folks as David Preston and Dyana Koelsch.

Here's an excerpt of a note he recently sent to colleagues:

I am extremely proud to have been part of a team that has kept such an unwavering faith in the potential of this city, and that has stuck to the extraordinarily difficult, day-in-day-out struggle of fundamentally changing the culture of government. It’s a job that isn’t finished, but I’m proud to have made a contribution even while recognizing it’s time to pass the baton.
 
When I decided with my family a number of months ago that it was time to go back to the private sector, the Mayor and Deb were the first people I told. We agreed that it was important to make the transition for this position as smooth as possible. Thanks to them and a great collaboration among all involved, that’s been achieved. More on that will be coming your way soon.
 
At my new post, I’ll be supervising communications campaigns for a variety of clients and helping to expand the presence of the firm. I will take with me the tremendous experience of working with all of you, especially the great Karen Southern and our communications team of Gonzalo, Eliza, and Kirk. Most of all, I will always be incredibly grateful to Mayor Cicilline for having the courage and relentless drive to lead our city so boldly, and for allowing me to serve with him and with all of you.

Alderson is being succeeded by Karen Watts, who has already started her orientation.