PBN Leaders & Achievers Awards 2026
DORIS BLANCHARD
R.I. Commerce Corp. director of outreach and engagement
As director of outreach and engagement at the R.I. Commerce Corp., Doris Blanchard focuses on connecting businesses, municipalities and industry partners with services they need to thrive. Leadership, for Blanchard, means service and inspiring others. She has spent more than 25 years in the banking and finance industries.
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She works to promote economic development initiatives and expand access to funding, workforce development and more. Blanchard is also the business liaison for emergency statewide preparedness and response.
“It allows me to constantly connect, identify programs that help our small businesses, create partnerships for workforce development, attract business here to the state and create partnerships with organizations that also can provide access to many resources,” she said.
She has helped expand opportunities for minority-owned businesses through several economic development programs. Blanchard also created and led SupplyRI, which connects larger institutions with smaller businesses that need services or products.
“Building meaningful relationships is at the heart of economic development,” she said.
Blanchard has been inspired by the resilience and innovation of entrepreneurs and small-business owners, she said.
“Helping small businesses overcome challenges, access opportunities and grow has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional life,” she said.
Overall, she believes strong businesses create strong communities.
“My mentors taught me that leadership is not about individual success; it’s about creating opportunities for others, fostering collaboration and strengthening the businesses and communities we serve,” she said. “That is the kind of leader I strive to be every day.”
She is constantly working to stay on top of what is happening at the state level, including policy changes.
“You have to listen first and lead with purpose,” she said. “My role is to be a connector, bringing together businesses, community partners and government resources to create opportunities that help Rhode Island’s economy thrive.”
