Governor McKee Appoints Jim Bennett as Interim Secretary of Commerce

PROVIDENCE, RI - On July 3, 2025, Governor Dan McKee appointed Jim Bennett, President of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, to serve as Interim Secretary of Commerce.

In his role as Interim Secretary, Bennett will provide oversight to senior management at the Commerce Corporation, who will be responsible for carrying out day-to-day corporation operations. He will assume the interim role following Secretary Liz Tanner, who is leaving state service to run Ocean State 2026, the nonprofit formed to help Rhode Island capitalize on economic opportunities related to next summer’s major international soccer tournament.

“As we continue the search for a permanent Secretary of Commerce, Jim’s experience in business development and government will help us further the work we’re doing to bolster our economy, raise incomes, and make our state a more prosperous place for business, workers, and families,” said Governor McKee.

Bennett previously served as the executive vice president of Prospect Medical Holding, Inc., and founded several start-up companies in industries such as global distribution, environmental testing, and investment banking. He also spent time as chairman of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority and was the City of Providence’s first director of economic development. Bennett is a graduate of Brown University.

 “I look forward to bringing over 40 years of business experience to this position,” said Bennett. “I’m honored the Governor has asked me to fulfill this role, and I look forward to helping the government move at the speed of business. I’m excited about the challenge.”