Home Economy Economic Activity Stokes named new R.I. Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion leader

Stokes named new R.I. Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion leader

Updated at 6:28 a.m. on May 14

By

PBN Staff

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05/13/2024

keithhs-214x300-1 — KEITH W. STOKES, the former executive director of both the forerunner to the R.I. Commerce Corp. and the Newport Chamber of Commerce, has been named associated director of the R.I. Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. /COURTESY CITY OF PROVIDENCE

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion has a new leader familiar to many Rhode Islanders. Keith W. Stokes, the former executive director of both the forerunner to the R.I. Commerce Corp. and the Newport Chamber of Commerce, has been named associate director of the division, the R.I. Department of Administration announced

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1 COMMENT

STANLEY DAVIS 05/13/2024 At 3:42 pm

The naming of someone of the caliber of Keith Stokes as associate director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion underlines the State’s true commitment. Congratulations to Mr. Womer — and to Mr. Stokes.

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PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion has a new leader familiar to many Rhode Islanders. Keith W. Stokes, the former executive director of both the forerunner to the R.I. Commerce Corp. and the Newport Chamber of Commerce, has been named associate director of the division, the R.I. Department of Administration announced Monday. Stokes will succeed Tomás Ávila, who became the associate director of the division in August 2021 and is stepping down to be the state's associate director for intergovernmental affairs and outreach. "I’m eager to join the team,” Stokes said. “Bringing the lens of my experience in the private sector, state government and nonprofit sectors to this role, as well as my commitment to community work, I am confident that in leading the talented team at DEDI, we will be able to further the work needed to support Rhode Island’s diverse workforce and business community.” Stokes most recently served as the vice president of 1696 Heritage Group, a consulting firm focused on people and institutions of color and their place in American history. Prior to that, he Providence’s director of business and development where he focused on small-business support, including getting funds from the city’s $166 million stimulus share into the hands of business owners through grants, technical assistance and entrepreneurship programs. From January 2010 to May 2021, he served as executive director of the R.I. Economic Development Corp. – now R.I. Commerce Corp. During his tenure, the ill-fated 38 Studios deal left the state on the hook for a $78 million loan guarantee after the company filed for bankruptcy. He was also the executive director of the Newport Chamber of Commerce from Nov. 1994 to Dec. 2009 and worked as a consultant for Providence-based Mayforth Group. “We are pleased to welcome Keith Stokes,” said Jonathan Womer, director of Department of Administration. “DEDI oversees one of the most critical missions in government, and one that applies to almost everything we do. The skills and experience Keith brings to this office in working to ensure our workforce and economic goals are reflective of the diversity in our communities will be invaluable as the state continues its critical work in this area.” (UPDATE: adds Ávila named state's associate director for intergovernmental affairs and outreach in third paragraph.)