Projo Biz Blog

RI still searching for economic development, energy directors

9:35 AM Fri, Aug 28, 2009 |
By Business staff    Email this author |   Email this entry

The state is still searching for permanent directors of two government agencies that play crucial roles in the development of Rhode Island's economy.

The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, which is responsible for creating jobs and bringing new companies to the state, has been without a permanent executive director since Saul Kaplan resigned last December. J. Michael Saul has been in charge on an interim basis for the past 10 months as the state's unemployment rate has continued its climb to second-highest in the nation.

The state Office of Energy Resources, which oversees energy projects and policy, has been without its top official since July 24 when Andrew C. Dzykewicz resigned to pursue opportunities in private business. His decision ended a three-year tenure as Rhode Island's first energy commissioner and came at an important time in the development of two offshore wind farms that the state is counting on to spur the creation of a green technology industry.

Amy Kempe, spokeswoman for Gov. Carcieri, said state officials have met with candidates who could fill the positions, but a selection for either post has not yet been made.

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