Keith W. Stokes has been named interim director of RI EDC. (Courtesy Newport Chamber)
NEWPORT, R.I. – The head of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce has been tapped by the Governor to take over as interim director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation for a one-year period, The Providence Journal reported earlier today.
Keith Stokes, who over the course of his tenure at the Newport Chamber, has distinguished himself as one of the state’s most prominent advocates for economic development, will take a leave of absence from his current post to assume the EDC position.
A member of the EDC board for over a decade, Stokes steps in for Arizona native Ioanna Morfessis, who had been chosen as the organization’s permanent head only to withdraw her nomination last week, citing a family member’s health problems.
The interim post had been held by J. Michael Saul since former EDC Director Saul Kaplan left roughly one year ago.
His selection appears to be a good fit. A vocal advocate for both large and small businesses, Stokes has demonstrated over the years, the ability to take the long view. As head of the Chamber in what may be the most dynamic areas in the state, he is well tuned to understanding the needs of tourism-driven businesses, as well as those in the manufacturing and defense-related industries.
A formal announcement by the Governor’s Office is expected sometime today.
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Newport, RI
