R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-64.19-5: Responsibilities of the secretary.

(a) The secretary shall be responsible to the governor for supervising the executive office of commerce, improving the functions and operations of Rhode Island state government to be clear, reliable, predictable, and as responsive and user-friendly to the state’s business community as is practicable, for managing and providing strategic leadership and direction to the other divisions and departments under the jurisdiction of this chapter, for serving as the chief executive officer of the Rhode Island commerce corporation, for convening the economic development planning council to develop the economic development policy and strategic plan in accordance with chapter 64.17 of this title, for serving as chair of the council of economic advisors in accordance with chapter 64.18 of this title; for serving as vice-chair of the governor’s workforce board Rhode Island; and for chairing the Governor’s Commerce and Workforce Coordination Cabinet established pursuant to chapter 6.1 of this title.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the secretary shall appoint the chiefs/directors of the divisions/departments within the executive office of commerce with the consent of the governor.