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Newport City Manager Tom Fromme has announced his retirement after a 44-year career with the city. Fromme, who is 67 and a third-generation Newport resident, has been involved in various roles including police officer, police chief, and city manager. He will retire at the end of the year.
"I love this city," Fromme stated. "But I truly believe we have reached a really good place as a city and an organization." He added that it is time for "a younger generation to take over."
Fromme's career began in 1980 as a police officer. He became police chief in 1991 and was appointed city manager in 2005. Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. praised him as "a dedicated public servant whose remarkable career spanned over 44 years in our community."
Under Fromme's leadership, Newport saw significant developments such as the Ovation mixed-use development and the Newport Pavilion shopping center. The city's infrastructure improved with street renovations and riverfront park enhancements.
"All of our developments have been important," Fromme noted, emphasizing the success achieved across residential, commercial, office, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.
Mayor Guidugli announced an internal search for Fromme's successor to ensure continuity within the city's government. "Our goal is to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible," he said.
Fromme expressed confidence in Newport's future growth: "It's time to bring in the next generation and keep moving forward."
