Newport's Fenton Appointed to Top National Young Republican Post

Newport’s Barbara Ann Fenton has been appointed Executive Director of the Young Republican National Federation and becomes the first Rhode Islander to hold a top post in the organization.

Fenton said “she looks forward to being a very loud voice for Republicans from traditionally ‘blue’ states,” in a statement.

Fenton leads the Rhode Island Young Republicans and serves as the Chair of the Chairman’s Caucus for the state GOP.

Fenton, who is engaged to Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung, has played a key role in recruiting new and young GOP candidates in recent years and has earned a reputation for being both deft and bold, which is a job requirement for any Republican operative in a state like Rhode Island, which has overwhelming Democrat majorities in both the House and Senate.

“I know it turned many heads when I chose someone from a deep blue state like Rhode Island to be in such a key position, but she is fearless and aggressive,” said Young Republican National Federation Chairman Dennis Cook of Illinois. “We needed someone who is as good at creating a bold long term plan, as they are handling the day to day logistics. Barbara Ann is the natural and energetic fit. She is hyper-focused on expanding the big tent of this party, and we are thrilled to have her on board.”

Though Fenton gained notoriety on the campaign trail by Fung’s side during his unsuccessful run for governor in 2014 (she took a 10-month leave of absence from the Rhody Young Republicans to focus on his campaign), her rise in the party began before they became romantically involved.

Fenton’s rise in prominence has been quick. She only got involved in politics three years ago, becoming a delegate at the Republican National Convention in Tampa in 2012.

A physical therapist, Fenton said in her down time “she is busy planning her 2016 wedding.”

Though Fenton gained notoriety on the campaign trail by Fung’s side during his unsuccessful run for governor in 2014 (she took a 10-month leave of absence from the Rhody Young Republicans to focus on his campaign), her rise in the party began before they became romantically involved.