EXCLUSIVE: Jim Bennett To Be Named Providence Economic Development Director
Friday, August 12, 2011
Former Republican candidate for Governor Jim Bennett will be named Economic Development Director in the city of Providence, GoLocalProv has learned.
The announcement, which is expected to be made next week, comes after a nearly eight month search. Mayor Angel Taveras said filling the position was one of his top priorities when he took office in January.
In June, Bennett, a Narragansett resident, was nominated for the chairmanship of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority by Governor Chafee.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTA Brown University graduate, Bennett is widely respected in the business community and former Mayor Joe Paolino called it one of Mayor Taveras' best decisions yet.
"This is as good of a hire as [Michael] D'Amico and [Col. Steven] Pare," Paolino said. "Jim is a doer. He'll get things done immediately."
