NEW: Bennett Officially Named Providence Economic Development Director
Monday, August 15, 2011
Mayor Angel Taveras officially named James Bennett the city’s director of Economic Development Monday, nearly eight months after launching a national search for the cabinet-level position.
Bennett will make a $150,000 yearly salary as he works support existing businesses, attract new businesses and create jobs. He will also oversee the new Department of Economic Development, which includes the departments of Planning and Development, Inspections and Standards, and Arts, Culture + Tourism and the Workforce Development Board.
Mayor Taveras said he interviewed four candidates from around the country for the position and ultimately selected Bennett in part because of his knowledge of the state and ability to “hit the ground running.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“I am very pleased that Jim Bennett has agreed to lead my administration’s economic development effort. Jim is a remarkably talented individual with a long track record of success and has extensive experience working with businesses in Providence and across the state of Rhode Island,” Taveras said. “Appointing a cabinet-level Economic Development Director was the number-one recommendation of my Economic Development Transition Committee. This group of distinguished business and civic leaders unanimously agreed that this post was essential to supporting businesses and creating jobs in Providence.”
A Brown University grad, Bennett served as chairman of the Rhode Island Convention Center from 1995 to 2001 and was reappointed to the post by Governor Lincoln Chafee again in June 2011. Bennett said he wants to get to work immediately.
“I am honored to serve in Mayor Taveras’ administration and look forward to overseeing the City’s efforts to help businesses prosper, create well-paying jobs and put Providence residents back to work,” he said.
