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Newport City Manager Tom Fromme will retire at the end of the year after serving the city for 44 years as a police officer, police chief, and finally overseeing the operation of the city. The third-generation Newport resident spent almost every year of his life in Newport.
"I love this city," Fromme said in a Newport news release. "But I truly believe we have reached a really good place as a city and an organization. It has not been easy getting to get to this point, but I feel comfortable with retiring at this stage. There's more to do, and more to accomplish, but we have an excellent team with our board of commissioners and city staff. I am confident the city is in great hands."
According to the Newport news release, Fromme graduated from Newport High School and grew up on Fourth Street. He joined the city as a police officer in 1980, became police chief in 1991, and was named city manager in 2005. He spent some time in a dual role as police chief and city manager.
The news release said Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. described Fromme as a dedicated public servant whose career spanned more than 44 years in the community. Guidugli said he left an indelible mark on the city. Major accomplishments achieved under Fromme's leadership included the development of Ovation, a $1 billion, 25-acre urban mixed-use development at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking Rivers. He helped develop the $100 million Newport Pavilion shopping center, with ongoing investments made by North American Properties, owner of Newport on the Levee, and planned Margaritaville Resort at the Levee. Street and sidewalk improvements include ongoing work on Monmouth Street business corridor.
Other accomplishments reported included attracting St. Elizabeth Healthcare and its major facility on Grand Avenue in South Newport, with another facility planned at Ovation. He led the creation of historic districts in Newport, most recently on the west side of the city.
The news release said Guidugli announced an internal search for Newport's new city manager would begin soon. Qualifications of current staff will be examined to find an appropriate fit for this pivotal role. Focusing on internal candidates enables building on existing relationships and institutional knowledge crucial for the city's future.
