Department of Administration director stepping down for DC job

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee said Friday that the director of the Department of Administration is stepping down to take a job in Washington, D.C.

McKee said James Thorsen’s last day is on April 28. He’s returning to the U.S. Department of Treasury.

“We are grateful for [Jim’s] commitment to the State while we navigated a once-in-a-generation pandemic,” the governor said in part in a statement Friday. “He will be missed, and I wish him the best in his next endeavor.”

Last month, Thorsen was appointed as the director of the Department of Administration by the Rhode Island Senate.

McKee said Brian Daniels, director of the Office of Management and Budget, will serve as the interim director when Thorsen leaves.

“There is much work to be done in the time I have remaining, and I will remain engaged and attentive, working with Director Daniels to ensure a smooth transition,” said Thorsen.