Bally’s Executive Director Among Nominees For Rhode Island Governor’s Workforce Board

On Friday, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee unveiled his nomination of three distinguished individuals to the Governor’s Workforce Board: Xay Khamsyvoravong, Jessica Key, and Tracey Wiley. This pivotal board plays an essential role in enhancing workforce development within the state, providing strategic oversight for education, employment, and training programs designed to benefit Rhode Island workers.

“Cultivating a strong and skilled workforce is paramount for the prosperity of our businesses and the economic future of Rhode Island,” stated McKee. “With the diverse expertise that Xay, Jessica, and Tracey bring, I am excited about the collaborative efforts ahead to bolster support for the next generation of Rhode Island workers and achieve our RI 2030 objectives.”

Xay Khamsyvoravong: A Advocate for Education and Infrastructure

Xay Khamsyvoravong, a current Newport City Councilor and former Mayor, has been a dedicated proponent of educational reform, infrastructure enhancement, and accessible workforce housing in Rhode Island. His deep-rooted commitment to his community reflects his understanding of local challenges and opportunities.

With an extensive background in finance, Khamsyvoravong has held significant roles, including Senior Vice President at Webster Bank and Managing Director at CBRE Investment Management, currently serving as the Director at PFM Financial Advisors. He emphasizes the importance of career pathways, stating, “Establishing routes to well-paying jobs is essential to Rhode Island’s economic health and our families’ futures. I am eager to contribute to expanding opportunities for our people.”

Jessica Key: Leader in Workforce Development

In her role as the Assistant Commissioner of Workforce and Executive Director of the Rhode Island Higher Education & Industry Centers, Jessica Key oversees three workforce development centers across the state, playing an instrumental role in shaping vocational training initiatives.

Previously, Key managed supplier and workforce development at General Dynamics Electric Boat, where she successfully directed over 40 adult training pipelines and promoted K-12 and career and technical education across multiple states. “Workforce development is vital for the growth of Rhode Island,” expressed Key. “I am grateful to Governor McKee for this opportunity, and I look forward to collaborating with my peers to enhance the skillsets and resources necessary for the upcoming generation of workers, aligning education and training with industry demands to fuel economic growth.”

Tracey Wiley: Championing Diversity and Inclusion

Tracey Wiley serves as the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Bally’s Corporation, where she actively works to integrate equitable practices within the gaming sector. Before her tenure at Bally’s, Wiley held the position of Director of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity for Virginia, reflecting her extensive public service background.

As the founder and CEO of Rainmaker Industries Group, LLC, Wiley is dedicated to empowering communities of color, creating pathways to economic stability through education and innovative wealth-building models. “I am honored to accept Governor McKee’s appointment to the Workforce Board,” Wiley said. “Servant leadership has been a cornerstone of my career, and I am committed to advancing accessibility to education and employment opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.”

All three nominees have now been forwarded to the Rhode Island Senate for further consideration and approval, signaling a progressive step towards strengthening the state’s workforce development efforts.

By appointing individuals with such diverse expertise and commitment to workforce development, Rhode Island is poised to enhance its economic landscape, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to thrive in a competitive job market.