RIBBA Announces Honorary Chair Jim Bennett & Emmy Award-Winning MC Leanna Faulk for its 15th Anniversary Annual Awards Gala

Providence, RI – RIBBA is thrilled to announce Jim Bennett, CEO of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, as Honorary Chair, and Leanna Faulk, Emmy-award winning Anchor & Reporter for WJAR NBC10, as Master of Ceremonies for its milestone 15th Anniversary Annual Awards Gala, themed “Legacy Unfolding: Celebrating 15 Years of Impact & Innovation“. Marking 15 years of driving change and building legacy, the celebration will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, Rhode Island on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 6 PM.

Jim Bennett brings decades of leadership experience spanning both private industry and government. As newly appointed CEO of Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, he leads strategic programs to drive statewide economic growth and development. Throughout his career, Jim has founded companies, overseen organizations with hundreds of employees, and held key leadership roles, including Director of Economic Development for the City of Providence and Executive Vice President of Prospect Medical Holdings. Jim is a Brown University graduate and has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards. His proven dedication to advancing Rhode Island’s economy and championing opportunities for small businesses makes him an ideal Honorary Chair for this year’s gala.

The evening will be guided by Master of Ceremonies Leanna Faulk, an Emmy-award winning journalist at WJAR NBC10. Since moving to Southern New England in 2022, Leanna has become a trusted voice at the Live Alert Desk, covering breaking news and connecting with the community through powerful storytelling. A graduate of American University and the University of Southern California, Leanna is passionate about telling human-driven stories. Her dynamic presence will bring warmth and energy to this special occasion.

The Annual Awards Gala is RIBBA’s largest fundraising event of the year, attracting over 500 business leaders, corporate executives, professionals, government officials, and community members. This signature event honors outstanding individuals for leadership, professional achievement, and service, while raising critical funds to support RIBBA’s business development programs, workforce initiatives, youth services, and scholarship fund.

Guests will enjoy an elegant evening of celebration, networking, live entertainment, a live raffle, and fine dining, all in support of RIBBA’s mission to eliminate the wealth gap and create pathways to prosperity for all Rhode Islanders.

Sponsorships, VIP tables, and tickets are now available. Last year’s gala sold out, and seats are filling fast—secure your place today. To purchase tickets or learn more about partnership opportunities, visit www.ribba.org or contact Lisa Ranglin, President & CEO, at lisa@ribba.org or 401-465-3669.