About the Secretary

Elizabeth M. Tanner, Esq.

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Tanner was appointed Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce in June 2022, under Governor Daniel McKee. 

Known as a problem solver and a fierce advocate for governmental efficiency, Liz is well-recognized for her efforts to make it easier to do business in Rhode Island. 

Secretary Tanner Meeting with business owners in Newport
Secretary Tanner at a press conference wind and energy companies
Secretary Tanner a tabletop event
Secretary Tanner visiting a distillery
Secretary Tanner at a ribbon cutting event
Secretary Tanner receiving an award

Liz began her career in government in 2015, serving as the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Executive Vice President of Client Services. In that position, she worked closely with small businesses and was known for listening to, and working to resolve, the concerns raised by businesses, at the hundreds of events and meetings she attended or hosted.

From November 2017, and until her appointment as Secretary of Commerce, Liz served as Director of the Department of Business Regulation, under Governor Gina Raimondo. She oversaw the regulating and enforcement of all Financial Services, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (including the RI Bomb Squad), the State Building Office, the Office of Cannabis Regulation, Gaming and Athletics and a wide variety of professional licenses. 

A graduate of the University of Rhode Island and Western New England University Law School, Liz has also received training from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.