David P. Senator Tikoian has a lengthy professional record of public service. Prior to his election to the Senate in November 2022, he served on the Smithfield Town Council. In January 2025, he was appointed by the Senate President as Senate Majority Whip, the third-highest ranking position on the Senate leadership team and an ex-officio member of all Senate committees. As a result of his legislative work in the public safety arena, Senator Tikoian has been recognized by AAA Northeast with the Traffic Safety Hero Award, as Legislator of the Year by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and with the Legislative Champion Award by the Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs. Upon graduation from the Rhode Island State Police Academy in 1992, Senator Tikoain served with the State Police for 23 years, rising to the rank of Major/Chief Administrative Officer. From 2017 to 2020, Senator Tikoian served as chief of the North Providence Police Department. In July 2020, Senator Tikoian became Director of Transmission and Distribution for the Providence Water Supply Board and was promoted to Deputy General Manager in August 2021. He resides in Smithfield. He serves on the Rhode Island State Police Museum Foundation, Community College of Rhode Island Alumni Association and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Advisory Council.
