The Rhode Island Foundation is getting a new board chair.
Ann-Marie Harrington, a Portsmouth resident who founded the digital communications firm Embolden, will succeed Dr. G. Alan Kurose, who is finishing up his three-year term as chair this week. Harrington officially becomes chair on Friday.
”I’m honored to be part of this dynamic philanthropic organization that is driving real change and lasting improvements in Rhode Island,” Harrington, a Bryant University graduate who has been on the board since 2015. “I truly believe in our state and its potential,” said Harrington. “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.”
The big picture: The foundation, which is the state’s largest funder of nonprofits, has undergone a significant amount of change in recent years.
David Cicilline, the former congressman and mayor of Providence, was named president and CEO last year, succeeding Neil Steinberg. Now Harrington is stepping into the role of board chair.
The organization is also planning to roll out a new five-year strategic action plan this month, which comes as nonprofits across the state face a fiscal cliff following a steady flow of government funding during the pandemic.
What’s next: In addition to funding nonprofits, the foundation has long supported local journalism, and has been an integral partner for some of our Rhode Map Live events. Next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., I’ll be moderating a panel discussion with Cicilline and Harrington about the future of the foundation at the Providence G.
I’ll also be moderating a second panel with Lamont Gordon from College Visions, Lisa Guillette from Foster Forward, and Dr. Amy Nunn from the Rhode Island Public Health Institute about their work in the community.
You should join us. It’s free, so I’ll buy you a drink and a pig-in-a-blanket.
This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you’d like to receive it via email Monday through Friday, you can sign up here.
Dan McGowan can be reached at dan.mcgowan@globe.com. Follow him @danmcgowan.