Kaplan is leaving the EDC

I wrote earlier this year about the long-stalled nature of economic development in RI. Now, with this news from the gov's office, the task at the EDC will belong to someone else. Kaplan demonstrated a good understanding of the big picture, and I wish him well.

Governor Donald L. Carcieri today accepted the resignation of Saul Kaplan, the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.  Michael Saul, Deputy Director, has been named Interim Director. 

"Saul Kaplan has decided to return to the private sector," said Governor Donald L. Carcieri.  "I would like to thank Saul for his leadership and commitment to Rhode Island's economic development.  His vision to make Rhode Island a leader in the innovation economy has resulted in the State moving up in every national report ranking progress toward creating a new knowledge based economy.  I wish him well in his future endeavors and am confident his mark on the state's economy will be long lasting."

Kaplan will continue to focus on his passion for business model innovation. He plans to build on the success of the Business Innovation Factory (BIF), an initiative started under his leadership that is dedicated to creating a community of innovators working together to explore and test new business models.

Michael Saul, currently the Deputy Director, will serve as Interim Executive Director.  Mike Saul is a Rhode Island business and banking executive with extensive experience in building organizations, particularly in their critical initial start-up phase or in re-organization. 

In business, Mr. Saul led successful turnaround and start up efforts with privately held Rhode Island based companies. In banking, Mr. Saul had a distinguished career with Bank of Boston servicing as a senior credit and lending executive.