News Summary
Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island has appointed Jim Bennett as the interim secretary of commerce following Elizabeth Tanner’s departure. Bennett, president of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, is expected to leverage his extensive business and political experience to strengthen the state’s economy. Tanner is leaving to lead a nonprofit tied to the 2026 World Cup, and Bennett aims to facilitate growth and efficiency in business operations as he prepares the commerce office for future challenges.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has appointed Jim Bennett as the interim secretary of commerce, following the departure of Elizabeth Tanner from the role. Bennett, who is currently the president of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, will step into this important position at a critical time for the state’s economy.
Elizabeth Tanner is leaving her position to take on a new role as the executive director of Ocean State 2026, a nonprofit organization focused on fostering economic opportunities connected to the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Tanner’s last official day in the office will be July 4, 2023.
Governor McKee expressed confidence in Bennett’s appointment, citing his extensive experience in both business development and government as key assets that will help strengthen Rhode Island’s economy. As the interim secretary, Bennett will oversee the senior management team at the Commerce Corporation, ensuring that governmental operations run efficiently and effectively in business matters.
Bennett brings to the role a wealth of experience from his previous positions. He served as the executive vice president of Prospect Medical Holding, Inc., and has founded multiple startup companies across a range of industries that include global distribution, environmental testing, and investment banking. His diverse background in various sectors is expected to provide valuable insight in guiding the state’s commerce initiatives.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jim Bennett has a political background, having previously run as a Republican candidate for the role of governor in 2002 and for state treasurer in 1998. His experience in local governance includes serving as the past chairman of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority and as the City of Providence’s first director of economic development.
A unique aspect of Bennett’s profile is his connection to hockey; he comes from a notable hockey family. His father was a goaltender for the Boston Bruins, and both of his brothers played in the National Hockey League. Bennett himself was a promising hockey player during his high school years at Cranston High School East and continued to showcase his talents at Brown University, even playing briefly in minor league hockey.
As he embarks on this interim role, Bennett has expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to the economic landscape of Rhode Island. His goals align with the ongoing efforts of the state government to facilitate growth and efficiency in business operations, providing a supportive environment for companies and entrepreneurs.
The position of secretary of commerce is pivotal in shaping economic policies and fostering partnerships that can drive growth in Rhode Island. With the upcoming global events such as the World Cup, the state is focused on leveraging opportunities to attract investments and enhance its economic profile. Jim Bennett’s interim stewardship is seen as a significant step in navigating these challenges as the commerce office prepares for a future under new leadership.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- Wikipedia: Jim Bennett (politician)
- Rhode Island Current
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Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
