Governor McKee Nominates Tracey Wiley to RI Commerce Board

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News Summary

Governor Dan McKee has nominated Tracey Wiley to the board of directors for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. If approved by the Senate, Wiley will enhance diversity and support economic growth. With a strong background in business and community advocacy, she aims to improve equitable business opportunities in the state. Prior to this nomination, Wiley held significant roles in Virginia’s economic development and founded her own firm to empower communities of color. The Senate has yet to schedule a vote on her nomination.

Rhode Island—Governor Dan McKee has officially nominated Tracey Wiley to the board of directors for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. If the Rhode Island Senate approves her nomination, Wiley will replace Dave Chenevert, who served on the board until his term expired in February.

Tracey Wiley currently serves as the executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Bally’s Corp., a position she has held since 2022, after initially joining the company as a consultant in 2021. Governor McKee endorsed Wiley’s extensive background in business and her entrepreneurial mindset as crucial assets to the board. The Commerce Corporation board is responsible for overseeing tax credit initiatives, economic incentives for businesses, marketing efforts aimed at attracting investment, and programs assisting graduates in high-demand fields with their student loan repayments.

As an ex-officio member of the board, Governor McKee will vote only to resolve tie situations. Wiley’s nomination is part of the broader strategy to enhance diversity within the state’s economic initiatives, emphasizing how different perspectives contribute to economic growth.

Wiley’s professional history includes significant leadership roles prior to her position at Bally’s Corp. She was the head of Virginia’s newly established Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, where she served for six years. During her tenure, the department made considerable strides in providing contract opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses. Remarkably, under her direction, the Virginia agency distributed $100 million in federal pandemic relief grants to approximately 3,000 small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.

In 2021, Wiley founded Rainmaker Industries Group LLC, with a mission to empower communities of color and help in building generational wealth. Additionally, she is recognized as a community activist and has advocated for various causes, given her personal experience as a 25-year survivor of multiple sclerosis. Wiley plays a leadership role as the chair of the board of trustees for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society chapters in Virginia and West Virginia.

Furthermore, Wiley is involved with multiple sports franchises by serving on the boards of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. She also previously led the nonprofit organization Interise, which focuses on fostering the growth of disadvantaged businesses in the community.

With a bachelor’s degree in speech communications from Old Dominion University, Wiley’s educational background complements her rich professional experiences. In addition to her nomination to the Commerce Corporation board, she was also nominated to the Governor’s Workforce Board, an appointment that was confirmed by the Senate earlier this month.

As of the latest updates, the Rhode Island Senate has not yet scheduled a vote on Wiley’s nomination to the Commerce board. The outcome will determine her engagement in crucial decisions impacting Rhode Island’s economic landscape, especially in creating equitable business opportunities and promoting diversity within the state.