25 Over Fifty-Five 2019 Award Winner
SCOTT A. GIBBS | President, Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island
AS A SOPHOMORE at Wabash College, Scott A. Gibbs wrote a paper on regional development for an urban government course he was taking. That paper would serve as the launching point for Gibbs’ career in planning and economic development, a career path he values to this very day.
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“I am fortunate to be in a profession that constantly challenges me every day and that offers a variety of experiences,” said Gibbs, president of the Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island. “These qualities allow for my continued growth as a professional and a person. Most importantly, my profession offers the opportunity to leave a positive mark in the communities I work. This sense of purpose and value is a luxury.”
Gibbs plays an active role for the nonprofit, which focuses on real estate-based economic-development projects and strategies for Rhode Island communities – including as developer for the Innovate Newport project, a collaboration with Newport and the Newport County Development Council on an $8 million remodeling of an empty school into a technology and cowork facility.
In addition to working closely with the nonprofit’s volunteer leadership, Gibbs also partnered with attorney Karen Grande to come up with recommended modifications to Rhode Island’s tax-increment financing statute so it could be more widely used by cities and towns. The changes were signed into law by Gov. Gina M. Raimondo in 2018.
Faced with a challenging commercial real estate market, Gibbs leans heavily on his nearly 40 years of experience and relationships.
“For me, leadership means a fundamental commitment to leading change while demonstrating uncompromised honesty, integrity and professionalism,” Gibbs said. “I have been blessed to work with a great board of directors and professionals from both the private and public sectors. Every one of these relationships [has] contributed to my leadership style.”
