People on the Move: Bike Newport Names Tuni Schartner as Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy

People on the Move: Bike Newport Names Tuni Schartner as Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy

Bike Newport has announced the addition of Tuni Schartner as its new Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy.

Schartner brings more than three decades of experience in community building, strategic partnerships, business development, fundraising, communications, and organizational growth. Throughout her career, she has worked across Rhode Island's nonprofit, entrepreneurial, economic development, and civic sectors, helping organizations strengthen relationships, build sustainable revenue streams, and increase their impact.

Most recently, Schartner served as Interim Executive Director of MAE Organization for the Homeless, where she led organizational stabilization efforts, strengthened fundraising systems, expanded community partnerships, and helped position the organization for its next chapter. She is also the founder of Tuni Schartner Consulting, co-founder of The Hive RI, former inaugural Executive Director of Innovate Newport, and a long-time advocate for Rhode Island's small business and nonprofit communities.

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In her new role, Schartner will lead Bike Newport's efforts to strengthen philanthropic support, cultivate strategic partnerships, expand sponsorship opportunities, and deepen relationships with donors, community leaders, businesses, foundations, and public-sector partners.

 

"What attracted me to Bike Newport is that it's about so much more than bicycles," said Schartner. "At its heart, Bike Newport is helping build healthier communities, expanding transportation choices, supporting environmental stewardship, strengthening local economies, and creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience Rhode Island in a more connected way. I'm excited to help tell that story and build the relationships that will support Bike Newport's future growth and impact."

 

Founded in 2010, Bike Newport works to ensure that bicycling is a viable, safe, and inviting choice for transportation and recreation. Through education, advocacy, community programming, and infrastructure initiatives, Bike Newport continues to advance safer streets, healthier lifestyles, and stronger communities throughout Aquidneck Island and beyond.

 

"We are thrilled to welcome Tuni to the Bike Newport team," said Bari Freeman, Executive Director and Founder of Bike Newport. "Her experience building partnerships, connecting communities, and helping organizations grow aligns perfectly with Bike Newport's mission and our vision for the future."

 

As Bike Newport continues to expand its programs and partnerships, Schartner's leadership will help strengthen the organization's capacity to engage supporters, increase visibility, and advance its mission of making bicycling a practical and accessible option for more people. 

 

About Bike Newport

Bike Newport is a leading advocate in our region for making bicycling accessible, safe, and inviting for all. Bike Newport works to create safer places to walk and ride for transportation and recreation by inspiring and facilitating innovative infrastructure planning, community engagement, and education.

For more information about Bike Newport, visit bikenewportri.org.