Outgoing RI commerce secretary Tanner to head up FIFA-centered Ocean State 2026 nonprofit

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Elizabeth Tanner has resigned from the position in order to lead Ocean State 2026, a new nonprofit, according to a statement from Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee.

The statement from McKee reads in part:

In a major strategic move, Governor McKee is announcing the formation of Ocean State 2026, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring Rhode Island maximizes the exceptional economic opportunities next summer’s major international soccer tournament will bring to Rhode Island and the region next year.

The statement refers to seven FIFA World Cup 26 soccer matches that will be played at Gillette Stadium from June 13 to July 9, 2026.

Tanner will serve as Executive Director, while Treasurer James Diossa will take the role of Chairman of the Ocean State 2026 board.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Rhode Island as Secretary of Commerce under Governor McKee’s leadership,” said Tanner. 

“I look forward to continuing my service to the State of Rhode Island in this new role, helping ensure our state makes the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Tanner was appointed to the role in 2022 by Governor Dan McKee after entering government in 2015 as the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Executive Vice President of Client Services.

She later moved on to serve as Rhode Island’s Director of the Department of Business Regulation in 2017 during the administration of Governor Gina Raimondo.