PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner On April 11 announced that Jim Bennett has been appointed to serve as the next president and chief operating officer of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.

“Jim Bennett brings significant experience in both business development and government that will serve him well as head of the Commerce Corporation,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I look forward to having Jim join the team and use his decades of expertise to help lead the way in creating new economic opportunities for the Ocean State.” 

Bennett most recently served as the executive vice president of Prospect Medical Holding, Inc. Prior to that, he worked in the public sector as the director of economic development for the City of Providence, the first person to serve in that role. Bennett played a key part in redevelopment projects throughout the City, including Arcade Providence, the Providence G, and South Street Landing.

“I welcome Jim to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and look forward to hearing his ideas as we continue the great work already being done by the team,” said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. “Jim brings decades of experience that will assist Commerce on our mission to make Rhode Island a premier place to live and do business.” 

In the private sector, Bennett also founded and operated several start-up companies across a variety of industries such as global distribution, environmental testing and investment banking. He was twice nominated for Rhode Island Small Businessman of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“I am excited to go to work on behalf of our state, using my business experience and previous time in government to help boost economic growth and create more good-paying jobs,” said Bennett. “I look forward to digging into the new challenge and collaborating with Governor McKee and Secretary Tanner to make a difference.”

Bennett previously served as chairman of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority. He is a graduate of Brown University.