PROVIDENCE -- The governor on Tuesday nominated the executive director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce to lead Rhode Island's economic development agency for the next year.
Gov. Don Carcieri selected Keith Stokes for a one-year appointment as executive director of the state Economic Development Corporation. The selection requires the confirmation of the state Senate, and Stokes said he was prepared to take a leave of absence from his chamber of commerce job.
"I love Rhode Island and I have a 20-year background in economic development in the local, state, federal level," the 51-year-old Stokes said in an interview. "I know the agency, and I know economic development in Rhode Island as well as anyone."
Stokes has served on the EDC's board since 1995 and is currently treasurer.
"Keith is the right person to continue to build upon the momentum to improve the EDC, strengthen its mission, and to be more responsive to our existing businesses, support the growth of new industries and to improve the economic climate in Rhode Island," Carcieri said in a written statement.
The governor's previous nominee, Ioanna Morfessis, withdrew from consideration last week, citing a family member's illness.
Carcieri had ordered a review of the quasi-public agency after its last executive director, Saul Kaplan, resigned last year. In April, that panel concluded that the agency had not created a clear strategy for economic growth and recommended conducting a national search for a new director.
Stokes will earn $185,000, plus a standard benefits package, Carcieri spokeswoman Amy Kempe.
Stokes is a former Newport city councilman and was a senior adviser to former Gov. Bruce Sundlun.
Stokes has been the chamber's executive director since 1994. His deputy, Jody Sullivan, was promoted to interim executive director on Tuesday.
The selection of Stokes was first reported by the Newport Daily News.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement