Portsmouth's Ann-Marie Harrington named Board Chair at Rhode Island Foundation – What's Up Newp

The Rhode Island Foundation, the state’s biggest nonprofit funder, has a new leader at the top. Ann-Marie Harrington, a Portsmouth resident, is stepping into the role of Board of Directors chair, the organization recently announced.

Harrington, who brings her experience as an entrepreneur and marketing tech executive to the table, is taking over from Dr. G. Alan Kurose after his three-year stint.

 “I am delighted to pass the baton to Ann-Marie, who has demonstrated a deep and thoughtful commitment to the Foundation’s mission. It has been an honor to serve, and I thank my colleagues on the Board for their support and guidance,” said Kurose, who had been chairman since 2022, in a statment.  

The Foundation’s 15-member board, which Harrington now heads, sets the course for the organization. In 2023, they handed out a whopping $89 million in grants to 2,500 nonprofits – a new record for the Foundation.

“I’m honored to be part of this dynamic philanthropic organization that is driving real change and lasting improvements in Rhode Island. I truly believe in our state and its potential,” said Harrington in a statement. “It is an honor to lead an organization that works closely with donors to respond to the immediate as well as long-term needs of Rhode Islanders.”  

Currently, Harrington is at the helm of business intelligence, digital operations, and web-based lead generation technologies at Creative Planning, one of the biggest registered investment advisory firms in the U.S.

Before this, Harrington founded Embolden, a digital marketing and tech company. The firm served 200 community foundations, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies before being bought by Crown Philanthropic Solutions.

David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO, is thrilled about Harrington’s new role. “We’re looking forward to growing our impact across Rhode Island with Ann-Marie as our Board chair,” he said.

Harrington’s been on the Foundation’s Board since 2015 and is active on both the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Finance Committee. She’s got a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant University and a Master of Social Work from Rhode Island College.