Keith W. Stokes, executive director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed executive director of the R.I. Economic Development Corporation, Gov. Donald L. Carcieri announced Tuesday.

“These next few months are critical to the future success of the agency and our economic recovery,” Carcieri said in a statement. “Keith is the right person to continue to build upon the momentum to improve the EDC, strengthen its mission, and to be more responsive to our existing businesses, support the growth of new industries and to improve the economic climate in Rhode Island.”