2026 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Richard Cromwell - Maritime Solutions
Chair
Melissa Varao, PhD - Salve Regina University
Vice Chair
Leland Merrill - Centreville Bank
Treasurer
Michael Monti, Esq. - Sayer, Regan, & Thayer, LLC
Legal Counsel
Joseph Nicholson - Bowen’s Wharf Co.
Secretary
Andrew Tavares - Kahn, Litwin, Renza, & Co. Ltd.
Chair Ex Officio
Erin Donovan-Boyle - Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce
President & CEO
Craig Sculos - Bally’s Corporation
Matthew Vargas - Rumford Portfolio Management
Board Members
Kim Cairo - Carey, Richmond & Viking Insurance
Bill Cardinal - IHOP/Cardinal Restaurant Management Group
Victoria Cimino - Discover Newport
Laura Coristine - COX
Morgan Everson - The Haven
Mike Falcone - Falcone Sports & Entertainment
Frank Flanagan, Esq. - Flanagan Law Offices, LLC
Michele Gallagher - City by the Sea Communications
Matt Girard - 3G Broadcasting
Beth Johnson - CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP
Maxwell Khalfayan - Savant Wealth Management
Sandy Kristiansson - Black Diamond Marketing Group
Jeanne Lapak - BankNewport
John O'Connor - TPG Marinas
Mary Joy Lu - Rail Explorers
Geoffrey Manchester - VATN Systems
Brendan O'Donnell - Newport Craft
Cristina Offenberg - Washington Trust
Kevin O’Leary - Preservation Society of Newport County
Lisa Raiola - Hope & Main
Jairo Rugel - ATC Tech/Newport County Computers
Brian Schuster - RI Energy
Robin Tosto - Hotel Viking
Brooke Vergona - Newport International Boat Show
Brian Williams - Roger Williams University
Richard Willis - Caleb & Broad