Joe Hearn, Over 25 years in Newport, Husband to Alana (Hall) Hearn, (herself a Rogers Graduate and Business Owner).  Joe is a technology entrepreneur, business owner, employer, recipient of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce excellence in Business award 2020.  Father of 2 children, member of Pell School PTO.

Maryellen Atkins is a Professor of animation and digital arts at Bristol Community College. Currently based in her hometown of Newport, RI, Atkins has lived, studied and worked professionally on four different continents. She is a graduate of Rogers High School, wife to a small business owner in Newport, and mother of three. Her interests lay in equity, education and the environment. Active member of Pell PTO.

Megan Morgan has been a resident of Newport since 1998. An active member of the community, Megan has regularly volunteered with various organizations and nonprofits in Newport and is a faithful crew member during Newport Yacht Club’s summer race series. Megan spent her entire career in the sports industry and currently runs her own consulting business, headquartered in Newport and working internationally focused on partnerships across major sports leagues.

Penny Billington Hunt  is a graduate of Rogers High School.  Penny worked in Boston for 15 years, where her multi-sector career has included nonprofit fundraising, board governance, and ten years in commercial lending.  In 2020, Penny and her husband made the decision to return to Newport in order to raise their two children in the City by the Sea.  Penny currently serves as a member of the City of Newport’s Ad Hoc Tax Relief Committee.

Stephanie Smyth

Stephanie Smyth is a born and raised Newporter.  She is also a Vice President for the National Association of Government Employees, a Federal Women’s Program committee member, and Continuous Process Improvement facilitator. Stephanie served on the City of Newport’s Charter Review Commission in 2022 and is currently serving on the Tree and Open Space Commission. She has a Master’s in Business Administration and Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. 

Ryan Patrick Kelley

Ryan Patrick Kelley (RPK) is an experienced brand builder, storyteller, and creative strategist.   Ryan has a wide range of political experience that spans local, state, and a national presidential campaign. In 2006, he served as a member of Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s communication team before joining his Washington, D.C. Senate staff the following year. RPK was born and raised in Rhode Island and now lives in The Point neighborhood of Newport.  Tennis, sailing, and being a dog dad take up the majority of Ryan’s non-working hours.