PROVIDENCE – Darin Early is stepping down as president of the R.I. Commerce Corp., Commerce RI told PBN Monday.
Early will leave the position in the first week of January. He will remain a senior adviser to help in his successor’s transition.
“Darin has made many valuable contributions to the Commerce team’s efforts – and to the progress our state’s economy is making under Governor Raimondo,” said Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor in a statement. “Thanks to Darin’s hard and innovative work, real estate projects are taking shape and are helping to rebuild our state’s economic momentum.”
Commerce RI Managing Director Jesse Saglio will succeed Early as president and chief operating officer.
“As a native Rhode Islander, Jesse brings ocean state know-how to this important job. We’re pleased that Jesse as the skilled head of the Commerce Corporation’s Investment Team is stepping up to this new role as President and Chief Operating Officer,” said Pryor.
Prior to joining the R.I. Commerce Corp., Saglio served as director of the American Investment Group investment program for the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
A spokesman for Commerce RI said the start of the calendar year provided a natural transition for Early to return to the private sector. Early is expected to remain a senior adviser for a month or two to assist with ongoing projects.
“Rhode Island’s small business have access to a state backed loan program for the first time in memory and can seek concierge-style support from Commerce when they need assistance,” said Pryor. “During his tenure, Darin oversaw the reorganization of the Commerce Corporation, including the creation of the Business Development unit which has been responsible for proactively recruiting some of the key companies that are now making Rhode Island home. We are grateful for Darin’s dedicated service and wish him the best as he advances to his next endeavor.”
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
