PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee announced on May 30th, his nomination of Erin Donovan-Boyle to serve on the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Board.

“Erin brings a wide range of experience in commerce, communications, and policy and has proven to be an effective champion for small businesses in Rhode Island,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I look forward to working with Erin and the board to develop and implement strategies to grow our economy, increase good-paying jobs, and improve the outlook of our state.”

“As a passionate advocate for small businesses, Erin would bring invaluable insight and a wealth of experience to our board that will contribute to our mission of driving economic growth and innovation across Rhode Island,” said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner.

Donovan-Boyle currently serves as the president and CEO of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 1,000 member companies in the region. During her time with the chamber, Donovan-Boyle helped lead a renovation and rehabilitation project of a historic building into an innovation hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs. She also helped establish the chamber’s Regional Economic Development Division which has developed an economic development strategy for the region and supports businesses with technical assistance.

Prior to this, Donovan-Boyle worked as the outreach director for Senator Jack Reed’s office, supporting the office’s legislative agenda and policy priorities both in Rhode Island and at the national level.

She is an active board member for numerous groups and organizations, including the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, Rhode Island’s District Export Council, the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and Salve Regina University’s Business and Graduate School Advisory Committees.

Donovan-Boyle earned a Master of Science in Policy Studies from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Salve Regina University.

“I would be thrilled to serve on the RI Commerce Corporation Board and to support the state’s economic development initiatives in this new capacity. I greatly appreciate the Governor’s confidence and look forward to the nomination process,” said Donovan-Boyle. 

Donovan-Boyle’s name has been submitted to the Rhode Island Senate for advice and consent.