New job for former EDC head

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The former head of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation has a new job.

Keith Stokes has joined The Mayforth group, a legislative lobbying firm.

He's the president of the firm's new economic planning and development initiative.

Stokes resigned from the EDC this spring, amid the collapse of 38 Studios.

He was a key architect of the $75 million loan guarantee to the company.

The Mayforth Group released this statement Wednesday:

"Keith Stokes joins The Mayforth Group with more than 25 years of experience in local, state and regional economic development planning, administration and public policy research. Prior to joining The Mayforth Group, Stokes served as executive director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.  He has also served as executive director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, as a policy advisor for both a Rhode Island governor and a general treasurer, and as executive director of one of the state’s most successful non-profit housing and community development corporations.  

In addition to his full-time positions, Stokes is a dedicated community volunteer, offering experienced council as a member of numerous boards and commissions. His dedication includes the longest board tenure in state's history on the RI Economic Development Corporation’s board of directors (16 years), as chair of the Newport Redevelopment Agency, as an advisor for the United States War College,  as lead organizer of Tall Ships Rhode Island, as a vice-president and trustee of the Preservation Society of Newport County, as an advisor for the National Trust for Historic Preservation,  as a board chair of the Touro Synagogue Foundation ,as a board member of the Business Development Corporation of Rhode Island and as an elected member of the Newport City Council.

Stokes is a published authority and frequent lecturer on economic development, community planning and historic preservation issues.  His leadership and expertise have been recognized by many distinguished organizations, including the NAACP, the United States Small Business Administration and the Daughters of the American Revolution. "