About the Alliance

Fed up with the state of our politics? So are we. Let's do something about it.

Braver Angels is America’s largest and fastest-growing organization bringing liberals and conservatives together for real debate and braver conflict.

If you’re sick of the rancor—and you want to do something about it—sign up to learn more about Braver Angels, find events, and become a part of the movement to lift up America.

Our mission is to introduce citizens to the Braver Angels process of depolarization and civil discourse through:

 Ready to join us in bridging divides in Rhode Island?  Apply to join the Alliance here!

Alliance Co-Chair Leadership

To contact the Alliance Co-Chairs, please email rhode-island-alliance@braverangels.org.

Jet Vertz, Red Co-Chair

Jet is a retired aviation business executive who makes his home in South County, Rhode Island.  Prior to his retirement Jet was a Vice President at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft (P&WA).  P&WA designs, produces and services commercial and military jet aircraft, including the engines for F22 and F35.

Prior to going into the aviation business Jet was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy via the Officer's Candidate School in Newport and served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War era.

Jet earned degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science and MBA.

Jet is married and has two grown children. His hobbies include giving lectures at the University of Rhode Island’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, volunteering at the local Habitat for Humanity, and an active participant of Braver Angels, both locally and national Military Veterans Group alliances.

Jim Palmisciano, Purple Co-Chair

Jim is a Sales Enablement Director at Schneider Electric.  He lives in Richmond, Rhode Island and is a former member of the Richmond Town Council.

He first became aware of Braver Angles through his work with the Forward Party. Many of our FWD Party members belong to Braver Angles alliances across the country.

At the time, as a moderate Republican who believed in constructive dialogue, listening to understand, and the importance of compromise, he was drawn to the principles of Braver Angels. Their focus on depolarization and bridging political divides was a breath of fresh air. He saw immediate alignment with an organization promoting respectful dialogue between individuals with differing political views, and a desire to seek common ground and understanding.

Braver Angels' emphasis on finding shared values and working towards collaborative solutions resonated with his belief in finding middle-ground approaches to complex issues.

He has innovative ideas but not all the answers, and in today’s political landscape it is daunting to share ones even moderate political views openly for fear of attack. Within Braver Angles he has found fertile ground to have fruitful conversations in a safe and productive environment.

Matt Grant, Blue Co-Chair

Matt is a Software Engineer at Peloton Interactive living in Newport, Rhode Island.  He was born and raised in Rochester, New York before moving to the New England area following university.

Prior to his professional career, Matt graduated with a B.S.degree in Computer Science from Stonehill College in 2017.  While enrolled, he participated in community service trips to Coachella, CA, Rockaway Beach, NY, and Portland, OR and was the General Manager of WSHL, Stonehill's radio station for two years.

Matt is married and has a 2-year-old Goldendoodle named Bortus.  His hobbies include reading, music, watching sports with friends, and technology.

Through his work with Braver Angels, Matt advocates for political depolarization and civil dialogue between those with opposing views.  He envisions an American political discourse that promotes common ground and respect for all citizens, regardless of party affiliation.