Top Rhode Island Tourism Leader Is Stepping Down

Top Rhode Island Tourism Leader Is Stepping Down

Arguably, one of the top tourism professionals in America is stepping down.

Discover Newport President & CEO Evan Smith has informed the Board of Directors of his plans to retire during the first quarter of 2025.

Newport, which began in the 19th century with a historic reputation as a playgroup for the rich, has had ebbs and flows of success.

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At one time, the Newport Jazz Festival had left the city, and the America’s Cup was lost.

Smith was a driving force in revitalizing the city as a leading global tourism destination.

GoLocal named Smith, 22 to Watch in Rhode Island in 2022.

Smith has served as President and CEO for the last 19 years and has dedicated nearly 35 years to Discover Newport.

“Evan and the professional staff at Discover Newport have played an instrumental role in significantly evaluating the visibility of the greater Newport area as a globally renowned destination for leisure travel and a top choice to host conferences. On behalf of our 18-member Board of Directors, we would like to express our gratitude for the tremendous impact Evan has had on the entire hospitality and tourism community of this region. While Evan will be a tough act to follow, our board is committed to working with our search firm to find a new dynamic leader, capable of supporting the organization's mission statement and vision moving forward,” said T.R. McGrath, Chairman of the Board of Directors. 

“I am grateful beyond words to have had the opportunity to serve in what I think may be the best job in America. To coach an amazing staff which I believe are some of the most talented travel professionals in the nation today. Working in unity with all our industry partners, I am so proud of all that we accomplished during the last three decades,” Smith said. “I believe this is a very appropriate time to look back at Newport history and reflect on the evolution of the greater Newport area as a destination resort.  To recognize and pay tribute to the countless number of community leaders and organizations who have contributed so much to the framework of our communities over the last 100 years. To acknowledge and applaud all their contributions and accomplishments. Looking forward, this is an exciting time for our organization and for our nine communities to secure a new leader, with new energy and vision, and to chart a new course for the tourism narrative for the decades to come.”

As part of a succession strategy, an appointed search committee interviewed several firms, and upon their recommendation the Board of Directors unanimously voted to select the experienced national search firm Winner Partners. The firm will assist with appointing a future leader for the destination marketing organization that promotes the nine towns in Newport & Bristol counties. Smith will continue to serve as President & CEO in the coming months until a successor has been named, helping to ensure a smooth leadership transition. 

Winner Partners, an innovative, certified woman-owned recruiting firm was selected to lead the high-profile President & CEO search for Discover Newport, the destination marketing organization that promotes this exquisite community to a global audience of travelers.