Portsmouth's Harrington, Sutton, Join Rhode Island Foundation's Board of Directors

Portsmouth residents Ann-Marie Harrington and Howard G. Sutton have been named to the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Foundation.

“We are delighted that Ann-Marie and Howard are joining our board. Their remarkable background and depth of experience will enable us to continue delivering on our strategic priorities around leadership, philanthropy and learning,” said Fred Butler, the Foundation’s chairman.

In 2014, the Foundation awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to Newport County nonprofit organizations including the Preservation Society of Newport County, the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, the Newport County YMCA and the Methodist Community Gardens of Portsmouth.

Harrington is president and founder of Embolden, an award-winning, nationally known digital communications group providing clients with online strategy, web development, web design and content management. In its 17 years in business, Embolden has specialized the serving the philanthropic sector, and the vast majority of its clients are community foundation and nonprofits. In 2014, Embolden was acquired by Crown Philanthropic Solutions, a leader in the field of philanthropic technology and creator of a powerful donor engagement platform. Harrington is also a partner and officer of Crown.

Harrington was named 2009 Small Business Person of the Year by the SBA and received the 2008 YWCA Northern Rhode Island Women of Achievement award. She is on the board of directors of two local nonprofits: Meeting Street School and Youth Pride. She earned a B.A. in Business Administration at Bryant University and an M.S.W. at Rhode Island College.

“I’m thrilled to join the Foundation’s board” said Harrington. “I’m honored to be part of this dynamic philanthropic organization that is driving real change and lasting improvements in Rhode Island. I truly believe in our state and its potential.”

Sutton, who was appointed by Gov. Gina Raimondo, is Publisher Emeritus of the Providence Journal. He is Executive in Residence at Johnson & Wales University and is principal advisor for The Providence Journal Charitable Legacy Fund. Sutton is also the President of Gipper Consulting LLC, a media consulting firm.

He has served on the board of directors of many community and philanthropic organizations. He presently is a trustee of Crossroads RI and Salve Regina University. He earned a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, an M.B.A. From Providence College and is a graduate of The Harvard Business School P.M.D. program.

“I’m honored and privileged to assist with the outstanding work the Rhode Island Foundation does for the citizens of Rhode Island,” said Sutton. “It is a special honor to be Governor Raimondo’s appointee.”