Daniel McKee

Daniel McKee
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Name	Daniel McKee
Office	Governor of Rhode Island
Term start	March 2, 2021
Predecessor	Gina Raimondo
Birth date	January 16, 1951
Birth place	Cumberland, Rhode Island
Party	Democratic Party
Spouse	Susan McKee

Daniel McKee is an American politician and businessman who serves as the 76th Governor of Rhode Island. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island and as mayor of Cumberland, Rhode Island. His tenure has intersected with state, regional, and federal institutions and actors including the United States Congress, the White House, and New England governors.

Early life and education

McKee was born in Cumberland, Rhode Island and raised in a family active in local civic affairs. He attended Cumberland High School before matriculating at Community College of Rhode Island and later attending programs affiliated with Harvard University's professional schools and regional executive education initiatives. His formative years placed him in proximity to institutions such as the Rhode Island Senate, the Providence Journal, and civic organizations across Providence County, Rhode Island.

Business career and private sector work

Before full-time public service, McKee worked in private sector enterprises and small business environments in northern Rhode Island. He was involved with local chambers such as the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce and interacted with statewide organizations including the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, and regional development entities tied to New England Council initiatives. His private-sector activities connected him with financial institutions like BankNewport and CVS Health-area suppliers, as well as with construction and development firms operating in Providence, Rhode Island and Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Early political career and municipal service

McKee's political career began in local Cumberland, Rhode Island municipal government, where he served on boards and ultimately as mayor. He participated in municipal collaboration with neighboring towns such as North Smithfield, Rhode Island and Foster, Rhode Island, and he engaged with statewide bodies including the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. McKee worked alongside elected officials from municipalities across the state and interacted with state legislators in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and the Rhode Island Senate on issues like public safety, municipal finance, and infrastructure projects tied to agencies such as the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island

Elected lieutenant governor in 2014, McKee served under Governor Gina Raimondo and was re-elected in 2018. As lieutenant governor he chaired commissions and worked with federal and state partners including the United States Department of Commerce, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and regional workforce agencies such as the New England Board of Higher Education. He collaborated with leaders across New England including governors from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine on issues like economic development, workforce training, and opioid response. McKee also engaged with advocacy organizations such as the American Red Cross, the United Way, and public health entities like the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Governorship

McKee became governor following the confirmation of Governor Gina Raimondo to a federal cabinet position in the Biden administration. As governor he has worked with the Rhode Island General Assembly, including leaders from the Rhode Island Senate and the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and coordinated policy with regional counterparts including Maura Healey (Massachusetts), Dan Malloy (former Connecticut governor), and federal officials from agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His administration has managed state responses to economic and public health challenges, interacted with labor organizations such as the AFL–CIO and Service Employees International Union, and engaged higher education institutions including Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island School of Design.

Political positions and policy initiatives

McKee's policy agenda has included initiatives on workforce development, housing, public health, and infrastructure. He has advanced programs in partnership with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, workforce boards tied to the U.S. Department of Labor, and regional planning agencies such as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (Rhode Island). On housing, he has worked with the Rhode Island Housing authority and non-profits like HousingWorks RI and Crossroads Rhode Island. In public health he coordinated with the Rhode Island Department of Health, the Rhode Island Hospital system, and federal partners such as the Department of Health and Human Services. His administration has addressed climate resilience with input from organizations like the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management and the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP), and pursued infrastructure projects in consultation with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and regional utilities including National Grid.

Personal life and family

McKee is married to Susan McKee and has three children. His family life has been centered in Cumberland, Rhode Island, with ties to community institutions including local churches, schools, and civic groups such as the Cumberland Public Library and the Cumberland Youth Soccer Association. He has participated in events with statewide organizations such as the Rhode Island Historical Society and charitable groups including The Rhode Island Foundation.

Category:1951 births Category:Governors of Rhode Island Category:Lieutenant Governors of Rhode Island Category:People from Cumberland, Rhode Island