Governor Dan McKee

Dan McKee is a lifelong Rhode Islander who proudly serves as the Ocean State’s 76th Governor. He began his career in public service on the Town Council in his hometown of Cumberland. After serving for eight years, he was elected Mayor. Following 12 years as Mayor of Cumberland, he left office in 2014 when he was elected Lieutenant Governor. He ascended to the Governor’s Office in 2021 and was re-elected to his first full term in office in 2022.

When Dan became Governor in March 2021, it was amidst the most challenging global pandemic in more than a century. Despite that, he delivered one of the nation’s best vaccine rollouts, getting shots in arms at rates that were among the very best in the country. His leadership also helped to rebuild Rhode Island’s struggling economy, bringing the state’s unemployment to its lowest ever on record. As Governor, he continues to focus on the same issues he has cared about his whole career – accessible government, effective fiscal management, a high-quality public education for all students, equity and justice, and economic development centered on small businesses.

LT. GOVERNOR

Elected Lieutenant Governor in 2014, he used the office to stand up for working Rhode Islanders and support small businesses. Together with 26 mayors, Dan sued Big Pharma to hold them accountable for their role in the opiate crisis. He took on the giant electric companies and lowered costs for ratepayers. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Dan organized a grassroots small business movement ensuring millions of dollars in federal C.A.R.E.S. Act funds were allocated to support the small business community.

MAYOR

When Dan took office, Cumberland had a “junk bond” credit rating and its finances were close to being taken over by the state. When he left office, Cumberland had a budget surplus and a AA bond rating. He also turned around two failing elementary schools and fixed a high school that was falling apart. Additionally, Dan created the state’s only Mayor’s Office for Children, Youth, and Learning, which has supported thousands of Cumberland students.

EARLY CAREER, EDUCATION, AND FAMILY

Born in Cumberland, Dan is the son of James and Helen Willa McKee. His parents taught him the importance of working hard and giving back to the community. In particular, Dan is still inspired by his father’s role in starting the local Boys & Girls Club in their town. 

Dan graduated from Cumberland High School, where he played basketball and met his wife Susan. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science and education from Assumption College. He earned a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. He has owned and operated successful small businesses in the Blackstone Valley for three decades. 

Dan and Susan have two children, Matthew and Kara. Matthew is married to Laura (Clifford) McKee. Both Matthew and Kara went to public school in Cumberland where they followed in their father’s footsteps and starred on the basketball team. For many years, Dan was a youth basketball coach, where he mentored young athletes and won two AAU state championships.

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