Governor McKee Nominates Three New Members to Governor's Workforce Board
Published on Friday, April 11, 2025
PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee today announced his nomination of three new members to the Governor's Workforce Board: Xay Khamsyvoravong, Jessica Key, and Tracey Wiley.
The Governor's Workforce Board supports the State on workforce development matters, and helps plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of Rhode Island workers.
“Developing a strong, skilled workforce is critical for our businesses, economic prosperity, and the future of our state,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Xay, Jessica and Tracey will bring valuable insight and experience to the board, and I look forward to working with them and the board on how we can better support the next generation of workers and meet our RI 2030 goals.”
Khamsyvoravong, Esq., is currently a Newport city councilor who served as the city’s mayor until December 2024. During his time in office, Xay helped Newport improve its education system, build more resilient infrastructure, and invest in middle-class and workforce housing. In addition to his career in public service, Xay has an extensive background in finance, having worked as the Senior Vice President of Webster Bank, the Managing Director for CBRE Investment Management, and now as the Director of PFM Financial Advisors.
“Career pathways to good-paying jobs are essential to Rhode Island’s economy and to making sure our families have a brighter future. I look forward to helping strengthen opportunities for Rhode Islanders,” said Khamsyvoravong.
Jessica Key is the assistant commissioner of workforce and executive director of the Rhode Island Higher Education & Industry Centers, which manages and operates three workforce development centers in Rhode Island. Most recently, Jess worked at General Dynamics Electric Boat as the manager of supplier and workforce development, where she oversaw more than 40 adult training pipelines and K-12 and career and technical education programs in three states.
"Workforce development is essential to Rhode Island's growth, and I'm grateful to Governor McKee for this opportunity," said Key. "I look forward to working with my fellow board members to strengthen the skills, training, and resources enabling the next generation of workers in Rhode Island to maximize personal attainment and financial stability. Education and training aligned to industry demand will continue to be a key enabler of economic growth for this great state."
Tracey Wiley currently serves as the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Bally’s Corporation. Prior to joining Bally’s Corporation, Wiley completed two consecutive gubernatorial appointments as the Director of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Wiley is also a founder and CEO of Rainmaker Industries Group, LLC., created to elevate communities of color and create access to models that build generational wealth for a diverse people.
“I am honored to accept Governor McKee’s appointment to the Workforce Board,” said Wiley. “Servant leadership has been a vibrant thread in my career, and I am eager to continue to contribute to the advancement of a brighter future for all Rhode Islanders by creating greater accessibility to education and employment across communities.”
All three names have been submitted to the Rhode Island Senate for advice and consent.