The city is excited about the opportunity to have Sandra Cano, recognized as one of Pawtucket’s most dynamic, young business leaders, who now serves as the new commerce director beginning on January 10th of this year.
For over a decade, the Pawtucket resident has worked at Navigant Credit Union, most recently as assistant vice president of business and community development, building relationships with businesses throughout the Blackstone Valley. In this position, she developed expertise in communication, business development, economic growth, financial strategies and project planning.
Cano brings a skillset to the position of commerce director allowing her to identify business needs, take a hands-on role in development, and implementing efforts for the city focusing on economic development opportunities and projects. She will build strong partnerships between the city and business community by providing education, identifying resources and directing them to opportunities for growth.
Sandra is a former Pawtucket school committee member and city councilor who now serves as a state senator representing District 8 for the past four years. From her years of public service, she has built deep relationships with Pawtucket business owners and understands their day-to-day needs. She also became a strong advocate for the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene along with supporting local small businesses.
As a state senator, she has also worked on a number of the city’s top economic development initiatives that have required legislative action including the new Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Hub, the Tidewater Landing project, and the creation of a TIF District to attract economic development to our downtown. She has also played a significant role on providing financial literacy to our students.
In her role as commerce director, she will lead the department of planning and redevelopment and the department of zoning and code enforcement. Sandra’s educational background includes a degree in Business from Bryant University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island.
If you would like to learn more about Pawtucket’s economic development projects and economic development incentives, contact Sandra Cano, commerce director, at [email protected].
Donald Grebien is the mayor of city of Pawtucket, R.I.