R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-8-15: Deputies and employees.

The secretary of state shall appoint a first deputy secretary of state, a second deputy secretary of state, an assistant in charge of archives, and other necessary employees. These employees shall perform the duties required by this chapter and those other duties that may be specified by the secretary of state; provided, however, that the secretary of state is hereby authorized to appoint, in cases of emergency, an acting deputy to act for the period of such emergency only, who shall have the power and authority as provided above.