Newport Global Summit, Rhode Island’s foremost gathering of business and thought leaders, is now a non-profit educational organization
MEETING TO CONVENE AUGUST 19-20 AT THE NEWPORT ART MUSEUM AND THE BELCOURT MANSION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWPORT, R.I. June 9, 2025 — The Newport Global Summit (NGS)—in its 16th year as Rhode Island’s foremost gathering of investors, business, and thought leaders—is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founder Katharine Cushing announced today.
This year’s summit will be held from August 19 to 20 at the Newport Art Museum and Belcourt Mansion in Newport, R.I.
Katharine Cushing, Founder and President of NGS, said the new non-profit status will enable NGS to build on its educational mission to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural knowledge.
“The Newport Global Summit has long been known as a singular educational resource, featuring wide-ranging conversations about entrepreneurship, world affairs, and cultural trends. We also celebrate Newport’s rich history and cultural legacy through our partnerships with local organizations such as the Newport Art Museum, which regularly hosts NGS events, and previously, NGS has collaborated to host events at U.S. Naval War College and Naval War College Foundation, International Tennis Hall of Fame, and SRU Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy.”
She continued, “Becoming a 501(c)(3) is a significant milestone for Newport Global Summit that will enable us to expand the unique service we provide to our attendees and the Newport community.”
The 2025 Newport Global Summit announces a first-time collaboration with iconic Rhode Island entrepreneur, Carolyn Rafaelian, owner of the historic Belcourt Castle, where the 2025 prestigious opening dinner will be held on August 19. Sponsors and supporting organizations for the 2025 event include The Waring and Carmen Partridge Foundation, CIBGroup, Chilton Trust Company, The Gruben Charitable Foundation, The Stratus Foundation, Oehrli Coaching and Communications, Belcourt, Rafaelian, Inc., and Newport Art Museum.
Ms. Cushing added, “We are also pleased to welcome Waring Partridge as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Summit. Waring is an esteemed leader in the Newport community, and his leadership and support of the Newport Global Summit have been impactful. We look forward to this new chapter for the Newport Global Summit.”
Newport Global Summit was founded in 2009. Participants have included an array of distinguished speakers from business, culture, and the arts. They have included Forbes Media Chairman, Steve Forbes, David Malpass, former President of the World Bank, noted venture capital investor Alan Patricof, noted author Philip Howard, Steve Young, Chairman and Co-Founder of HGGC/NFL Hall of Famer, Ambassador John L. Loeb, legendary band leader and author, Peter Duchin, iconic fashion designer, Mary McFadden, and during early years, Robert F. Kennedy, Former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chaffee, Edward M. Kennedy, and Former Rhode Island Treasurer, Frank Caprio.
“Solving today’s complex global and national challenges is only possible when people talk, exchange ideas, and inspire one another. The Newport Global Summit is a convergence of legacy, knowledge, and purpose – where history meets innovation and dialogue drives meaningful change,” Cushing said.
Contact: Kitty Cushing
kitty@newportglobalsummit.com
Newport Global Summit, Inc.
729 Bellevue Ave #7
Newport, RI 02840
