NEWPORT – After serving one year as interim director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, Jody Sullivan has been appointed permanent director by the Chamber’s board of directors, replacing Keith W. Stokes, now head of the R.I. Economic Development Corporation.
“Jody Sullivan has provided outstanding leadership to the Chamber during her tenure as interim executive director,” said Eric Offenberg, chairman of the board. “Her knowledge of the business community and her commitment to our 1,100 members as well as her talented staff will guarantee that the Chamber continues to be one of the most relevant business organizations in the state.”
Sullivan joined with Chamber in 1994 and served as deputy director since 2003. The former owner and operator of several small businesses, she holds a master’s degree in management from Salve Regina University. She has played a lead role in Chamber budgeting and operations, including the “Buy Local” campaign, the corporate sponsorship program and the member-to-member discounts and gift certificates initiatives.
Stokes, who took over the EDC last year and was reappointed in January by Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee, in a prepared release extended “a huge congratulations to my friend and colleague.”
“Having worked closely with her for years, I know that her experience, knowledge and passion for Newport County will help her with the continued success she’s already had in this role,” Stokes said.
“It is an honor and privilege to continue the Chamber’s work,” Sullivan said. The Newport Chamber is the second largest in Rhode Island, with its 1,100 members representing more than 50,000 employees. The Chamber vote on her permanent appointment was unanimous.
