Gov. McKee Nominates Stefan Pryor to Return as Rhode Island Commerce Secretary

The former housing and commerce leader, known for high-profile economic deals and political bids, will need Senate confirmation to reclaim the post

Stefan Pryor has been nominated to serve as Rhode Island Commerce secretary.
Stefan Pryor has been nominated to serve as Rhode Island Commerce secretary.
Ian Donnis/The Public’s Radio
Share
Stefan Pryor has been nominated to serve as Rhode Island Commerce secretary.
Stefan Pryor has been nominated to serve as Rhode Island Commerce secretary.
Ian Donnis/The Public’s Radio
Gov. McKee Nominates Stefan Pryor to Return as Rhode Island Commerce Secretary
Copy

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee on Wednesday nominated a longtime former state official, Stefan Pryor, to return to his former role as Commerce secretary.

Pryor signed on to lead the state’s economic development efforts before Gov-elect Gina Raimondo took office in 2015.

Over time, he touted a series of high-profile job announcements, some of which yielded far fewer jobs than originally expected; Rhode Island still faced familiar economic development challenges when Raimondo left in 2021 for a job with the Biden administration.

In 2022, Pryor lost a Democratic primary run for state general treasurer.

By 2023, he switched to a role as state Housing secretary after a previous nominee, Josh Saul, didn’t work out. Pryor’s tenure was controversial and included internal struggles, incomplete projects and scrutiny over contracts, the Boston Globe has reported.

In a statement, McKee said Pryor has the experience and skills to lead Rhode Island’s economic development efforts.

“He has forged strong relationships with business(es) over the years, knows Rhode Island’s strengths and potential, and is skilled at liaising between the public and private sectors,” the governor said.

In a statement, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi said, “Stefan was a very effective and talented public servant when he previously led Rhode Island Commerce, and I look forward to working closely with him once again. He brings continuity and commitment to this important position.”

Pryor’s nomination faces Senate confirmation. It’s not clear when that will happen since the General Assembly has recessed for the summer.

Faced with a mandate to increase public school funding by $15 million per year, Providence is planning to levy its biggest tax increase in over a decade
With new rules in effect July 1, athletes at URI, PC, and Bryant will receive direct compensation—marking a new era in Division I sports and ending the NCAA’s amateurism model
A new state law helped the beloved Rhode Island seafood restaurant reopen quickly after a catastrophic fire in May
Trump’s budget threatens historic preservation nationwide — including Rhode Island’s Old State House
Lily Jeznach, professor of environmental engineering at Roger Williams University and Cranston resident
Thousands of Rhode Islanders covered by UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans may have fewer choices at more cost after contract expires Monday