Elizabeth M. Tanner, Esq. is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a B.A. in Political Science and received her Juris Doctor from Western New England University. Her early career focused in the areas of title insurance and real estate law as well as corporate transactional work, focusing on small businesses. While at RI Commerce, Liz oversaw business retention for all in-state businesses and has led an effort to streamline and simplify businesses’ interactions with government. Liz was appointed the Director of Department of Business Regulation in November 2017 where she is continuing her efforts to improve the business climate in Rhode Island. A native of Pennsylvania, she lives in Bristol with her family.