Governor McKee Announces Nomination of Stefan Pryor as Secretary of Commerce

Published on Friday, August 08, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee today announced his nomination of Stefan Pryor as Secretary of Commerce. The Governor also announced that interim Secretary Jim Bennett will return to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation as President and now Chief Executive Officer, positioning him to work closely with Pryor to continue the state’s economic momentum.

“Commerce has experienced real momentum over the past several years, and we believe this partnership between Stefan Pryor and Jim Bennett will position us to build upon and accelerate our progress,” said Governor McKee.

Under the McKee Administration, RI Commerce has bolstered the existing defense industry, invested in the growing ocean economy, and strategically supported the growth of the life science industry in Rhode Island. The Administration has attracted major companies such as REGENT, Organogenesis and Anduril while also executing a landmark agreement with Amazon for their new facility in Johnston. Additionally, Breeze Airways selected Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport as its base of operations—an airport recently ranked #1 in the nation by Travel + Leisure. The Administration also led the completion of Centerville Bank Stadium and is moving forward with the development of new life science incubator space and the State Health Lab.

Under the Governor’s leadership, Rhode Island has moved up 12 points in the economic category of the U.S. News and World Reports annual “Best States” rankings. Additionally, this year Fitch Ratings has upgraded Rhode Island’s credit rating to AA+.

Pryor has nearly a decade of public service with the State of Rhode Island. He previously served as Secretary of Commerce from 2015 to 2022. More recently, Pryor served for a year and a half as Secretary of Housing for the new Department of Housing, leaving for the private sector in July 2024.

Governor McKee stated, “Stefan Pryor has the experience and the right skill set to steer Rhode Island’s economic development efforts. He has forged strong relationships with business over the years, knows Rhode Island’s strengths and potential, and is skilled at liaising between the public and private sectors.” He added that during his previous time at RI Commerce, Pryor was responsible for bringing an array of Commerce agencies together under a single umbrella. The Governor recognized Pryor for his assistance with recruitment of companies like Amazon and REGENT and his significant involvement with the I-195 District’s redevelopment. He also noted Pryor’s important role in supporting small businesses during the COVID pandemic.

The Governor also lauded Jim Bennett, who stepped up to serve as Interim Secretary of Commerce, for his business acumen, adding “as President and now Chief Executive Officer, Jim will work collaboratively with the Secretary to manage the day-to-day operations of the Corporation.”

“This is an amazing opportunity to partner with someone like Stefan Pryor, who has the experience and contacts to move Commerce forward," said Bennett.

Pryor’s additional work experience includes serving as Deputy Mayor for Economic Development in Newark, New Jersey; President of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the coordinating agency for the World Trade Center rebuilding; and Commissioner of Education for the State of Connecticut. Most recently, he worked as a Partner at Palm Venture Studios, an impact investment firm. Pryor holds both undergraduate and law degrees from Yale University.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Rhode Island once again,” said Pryor. “Under Governor McKee, our Commerce team will further focus on supporting businesses – large and small – as they navigate and innovate their way forward. We will also work to attract new investment to Rhode Island and create new economic opportunity for Rhode Islanders. Collaborating with Commerce Corporation President & CEO Jim Bennett as well as key community stakeholders, we will put in place near-term and long-term strategies to strengthen and grow our state’s economy.”

The Governor will submit Pryor’s name to the Senate for advice and consent.