Rhode Island Governor -- and U.S. Secretary of Commerce nominee -- Gina Raimondo. Photo: Biden video/Twitter United States President-Elect Joe Biden on Friday officially announced his “key nominees of economic and jobs team” — including Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo as his nominee for United State Commerce Secretary. Calling her “one of the most effective, forward-thinking Governors in America,” Biden introduced Raimondo along with his other nominees. Raimondo Addresses Nation Raimondo, who spoke following Biden's introductions, said she believes the mission of the Commerce Department “is a simple one — to help spur good-paying jobs, empowering entrepreneurs to innovate and grow, and to come together with working families and American businesses to create opportunities for all of us.”