Secretary of Housing Pryor leaving governor’s cabinet for private sector

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee’s office said that Secretary of Housing Stefan Pryor will be leaving his position in order to pursue “an opportunity in the private sector.”

The office said that Pryor will continue to serve in his current position for two weeks, and that an interim secretary will be named on his last day.

“We thank Stefan for his work over the last year and a half standing up our new Housing Department, overseeing Rhode Island’s historic investment in housing, and serving the State of Rhode Island in his different capacities,” Press Secretary Olivia DaRocha said. “The governor looks forward to continuing this important work with the General Assembly and our community partners to increase housing production and affordability across Rhode Island.”

Pryor released the following statement, where he said it was an “honor” to serve the state for nearly a decade:

Serving this state for nearly a decade has been an enormous honor. When I accepted Gov. McKee’s invitation to serve as Housing Secretary, we discussed my doing the job for a year in order to start up the new Housing Department and catalyze needed housing activity. Almost a year and a half later, I reflect with pride on the accomplishments of our housing team and its partners. Together we have financed approximately 2,600 units of housing, achieved a 32 percent increase in homeless shelter beds compared to the previous winter, and secured authorization for the largest housing bond in the state’s history to appear on the ballot. In short, we have laid important groundwork for the State to address its housing challenges. But the work is far from done – continuing commitment and investment are required. And while I transition now to a position in the private sector, I hope to continue contributing to Rhode Island’s progress in meaningful ways going forward. For their leadership and support, I thank Gov. McKee, Speaker Shekarchi, Senate President Ruggerio, and the General Assembly. I’m also very grateful to the Housing Department and Rhode Island Housing team members as well as the developers, builders, realtors, advocates, and other practitioners and partners who make it happen every day.