Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi has appointed Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith to serve as chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business.
“I am deeply honored that Speaker Shekarchi chose me to lead this important committee,” said Representative Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket). “Small business is the economic foundation of this state, and I look forward to delving into the issues that impact small business people.”
A strong advocate for small businesses, she sponsored successful legislation in 2021 that gives all businesses the flexibility to file annual reports with the Secretary of State between February 1 and May 1 each year.
Representative Shallcross Smith received the Barbara C. Burlingame Award in 2025 from the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes an elected official who has made outstanding contributions to the business community and exhibits the highest excellence, dedication and accomplishment in public service. She also received the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter’s Legislator of the Year Award in 2025 at an event honoring the dedication, commitment, and impact of social workers and allies throughout the state of Rhode Island. In 2022, Shallcross Smith also received the Small Business Association Rhode Island & New England Woman-Owned Small Business award. Additionally, Dr. Day Care, Inc. received the SBA 70th Anniversary Legacy Recognition Award – one of 68 businesses recognized nationally as part of U.S. Small Business Administration’s 70th Anniversary Celebration in 2022.
“Representative Shallcross Smith has been a tremendous resource in the House of Representatives and has been my go-to person for matters affecting small business,” said Speaker Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick). “Her experience and expertise bring so much to the table when it comes to understanding how state law and policy can affect small businesspeople.”
Representative Shallcross Smith, affectionately known as “Dr. Day Care,” is a lifelong educator, entrepreneur, and public servant with over 50 years of experience in early childhood and out-of-school time learning. She began her career as a family daycare provider in 1972 and now is the founder and proprietor of Dr. Day Care Learning Center and Kids Klub. Dr. Day Care has multiple nationally accredited early learning centers and Kids Klub nonprofit offers out-of-school time programs in local elementary schools. She also began Therapeutic Child Care Services, providing inclusive special needs supports for children in child care. A family business, her daughter, Amy Shallcross Vogel, is now managing the day-to-day operations as the CEO of Dr. Day Care, Kids Klub, and Therapeutic Child Care Services.
A Lincoln native and fierce advocate for equity, Mary Ann Shallcross Smith continues to uplift her community through mentorship, civic engagement, and visionary leadership.