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Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Resigns for World Cup Initiative

Excited fans gather at the stadium in Rhode Island, anticipating the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.

News Summary

Elizabeth Tanner has resigned as Rhode Island’s Secretary of Commerce to lead Ocean State 2026, a nonprofit aimed at maximizing economic benefits from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative, announced by Governor Dan McKee, targets significant economic opportunities as Gillette Stadium prepares to host several matches. Despite preparations, there’s currently no designated training site or events planned in Rhode Island, while neighboring Boston takes on an official hosting role.

Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Elizabeth Tanner has announced her resignation to take on a new role as the Executive Director of Ocean State 2026, a newly established nonprofit organization aimed at capitalizing on the economic opportunities presented by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement came from Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, who emphasized the significance of this new initiative for the state.

Ocean State 2026 is designed to maximize the economic benefits from the upcoming World Cup, during which Gillette Stadium is set to host seven matches between June 13 and July 9, 2026. This event is expected to attract around one million visitors to the Providence area, generating an estimated economic impact exceeding $330 million.

Tanner’s resignation takes effect on July 4, marking the end of her tenure as Secretary of Commerce, a position she has held since 2022. Her previous experience includes serving as the director of the Department of Business Regulation under former Governor Gina Raimondo starting in 2017. The governor’s office disclosed that it is unclear whether Tanner’s resignation was initiated by McKee.

James Diossa, who has been actively involved in efforts to attract World Cup fans and coordinate state planning for the event, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Ocean State 2026 board. McKee referred to the establishment of this nonprofit as a “major strategic move” for Rhode Island, indicating its importance in attracting visitors and supporting local businesses during the tournament.

Despite the proactive steps taken with Ocean State 2026, as of now, Rhode Island has no designated site chosen as a training base for any national teams participating in the World Cup. Additionally, there are currently no official events scheduled in the state, such as a fan festival, to celebrate the World Cup. In contrast, Boston has been named as an official host city and has formed its own nonprofit organization, Boston 26, to lead initiatives related to the tournament.

The funding structure for Ocean State 2026 remains ambiguous, as no state tax dollars are anticipated to support the nonprofit’s operations. Diossa indicated that the majority of Ocean State 2026’s funding will likely come from private contributions during a targeted fundraising campaign, although specific financial strategies have yet to be detailed.

As Rhode Island prepares for this global sporting event, the state is looking to leverage Ocean State 2026 to ensure a hospitable environment for the influx of visitors and to bolster the local economy. The success of the nonprofit could significantly influence how well the state can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the World Cup, underscoring the urgency of establishing partnerships and promotional activities in the lead-up to the matches.

Overall, Tanner’s move to head Ocean State 2026 illustrates Rhode Island’s commitment to maximizing the benefits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with hopes that the state can position itself as a key player in hosting and celebrating this international event.