Discover Newport's promotional efforts include a year-long advertising campaign directed at leisure travel and business travel markets, targeted sales efforts, public relations strategy, participation in numerous trade shows, and a comprehensive website (DiscoverNewport.org). Discover Newport is available to aid in planning a meeting or corporate event, to assist travel professionals including media, tour operators, and travel agents, and to provide information to help visitors enjoy the destination. Additionally, Discover Newport operates the 10,000 square feet Newport Visitors Information Center, which offers admission tickets to area attractions & events, maps, brochures, and information, a convenient place to park, and always a hospitable welcome to visitors to the area! Seasonally, May to October, we also operate the Bristol Visitor Information Center.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Discover Newport is to positively influence the economy of Newport & Bristol County, Rhode Island and its municipalities by marketing the region as a travel and tourism destination.
Discover Newport welcomes the opportunity to work with you! Please refer to the staff directory listed below.
ADMINISTRATION
EVAN SMITH
President & CEO
401-845-9113
ANNA DUFFY
Executive Assistant to the President
401-845-9110
ALYSON C. ADKINS, CPA
Director of Finance and Human Resources
401-845-9126
Fiduciary responsibilities & Human Resources.
MARY ANN KELLY
Finance Coordinator
401-845-9141
Assistant to the Director of Finance.
MARKETING / COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
KATHRYN FARRINGTON, CFEE
Vice President of Marketing
401-845-9117
Oversees Marketing/Communication initiatives & Corporate Partnerships.
JAN HAGERSTROM
Marketing Technology Manager
401-845-9150
Responsible for website sales and development & travel research.
ANDREA McHUGH
Marketing Communications Manager
401-845-9151
Responsible for all PR & Communication initiatives.
VINCENT MARCACCIO
Marketing Coordinator
401-845-9112
Supports operations of Marketing/Communications Department & Video Production.
SALES DEPARTMENT
J. TIMOTHY WALSH, CMP
Vice President of Sales
401-845-9132
Oversees all aspects of Corporate & Group Sales.
JENNIFER PITT
Destination Expert
401-845-9114
Markets: Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Insurance Market & Association Market
ANNE ROBERTS
Destination Expert
401-845-9127
Markets: Downtown Boston, Chicago and West, and SMERF
PATRICIA SMURRO
Destination Expert
401-845-9116
Markets: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West of Boston and Pharmaceutical Groups
ALEX HURD
Tourism Sales Manager
401-845-9119
Markets: Group Tour & Travel.
SUSAN PRATT
Sales Logistics Manager
401-845-9115
Market: New Business Development. Organizes all sales department events.
REBECCA MILLER
Sales Coordinator & Wedding Specialist
401-845-9133
Market: Weddings. Supports daily operations of Sales Department.
VISITOR SERVICE / OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
CATHY MORRISON
Vice President Visitor of Operations
401-845-9120
Oversees all Visitor Services & the Operations of building and grounds.
JENNIFER BAILEY
Senior Operations Coordinator
401-845-9129
Responsible for overseeing all personnel & operations associated with visitor services
ELLEN CRAWLEY
Reservation Specialist
401-845-9124
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LEN PANAGGIO - Chairperson
New England Restaurant Financial Group
Appointed by Town of Middletown
KAREN OAKLEY - Vice Chairperson
Viking Tours
Appointed by the City of Newport
KATIE WILKINSON - Treasurer
Glen Manor House
Appointed by the Town of Portsmouth
PIETER N. ROOS - Secretary
Newport Restoration Foundation
Representing Attractions
NANCY BLOUNT
Blount Small Ship Adventures
Appointed by the Town of Warren
STEPHEN BRIGIDI
Bristol Workshop in Photography
Appointed by the Town of Bristol
GREGORY F. FATER
O'Brien's Pub
Representing Restaurants
MATT GINEO
Old Port Marine
Appointed by the City of Newport
ROCKY KEMPENAAR
Howard Johnson Inn, Residence Inn by Marriott & Hampton Inn
Appointed by the Town of Middletown
DUNCAN MAIO
Mystic Scenic Studios
Appointed by the Town of Barrington
JEFFREY McDONOUGH
The Jamestown Press
Appointed by the Town of Jamestown
RICK PECKHAM
Little Compton
Appointed by the Town of Little Compton
BARBARA PELLETIER
Tiverton
Appointed by the Town of Tiverton
PAUL RODRIGUES
Middletown Town Council
Appointed by the Town of Middletown
BREWER ROWE
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Appointed by the City of Newport
MARLEN SCALZI
Hotel Viking
Representing Hotels
KATHLEEN SEGUIN
Bristol House B&B
Representing Inns and B&B's
LAURIE Z. STROLL
Newport Hospitality, Inc., a DMC Network Company
Member of the Public