Our Members

MEMBERS OF THE NDCC ARE ELECTED INTO THE ORGANIZATION

If you're interested in becoming a member or would simply like to request more information please contact us.

Chair - 

Vice Chair  and Interim Chair - Susan Taylor

Susan Taylor has lived in Newport for nearly 20 years, after living and working in New York City and Seattle, where she was born. A lifelong Democrat, she has worked on civil rights cases with her husband and is semi-retired as an immigration lawyer. She taught at the Immigrant & Refugee Rights Clinic at the CUNY School of Law from 1999 to 2004. She served on the City Council from 2016 to 2020.

Secretary - Matt Grant

A Newporter since 2020, Matt recently co-founded the Rhode Island Alliance of Braver Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to political depolarization. He has a deep commitment to community service and democratic engagement. He aims to inspire and facilitate increased participation among our youth in local political processes. As a software engineer he brings a robust set of technological skills to the NDCC's operations. 

Assistant Secretary - Michael Garman

Michael is a Newport native, a graduate of Prout, and will be a senior at Yale University where he is studying Political Science. He is the Executive Director of Ocean State Ranked Choice Voting, and is currently a campaign consultant to State Senator Sam Bell and Representative Enrique Sanchez.

Treasurer - Robert Vitello

Rob has lived in Newport on Everett Street since 1990 with his wife, raising two children who went through Newport Public Schools. He recently retired from Bristol Community College where he focused on workforce development and training which he continues to do through consulting work. He is a lifelong Democrat and organizer having worked for the Service Employees International Union and in volunteer capacities on numerous local, statewide and national campaigns. 

Financial Secretary - Varina Gunn

Varina Gunn graduated from RHS and from Simmons College with a BS in Nutrition and Food Science. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and recently became a Certified Community Health Worker through a fellowship at the Newport Health Equity Zone. She is dedicated to improving health outcomes for people of color in this community.  She’s been a member of the NDCC for over fifteen years.

Ward 1

• Marvin Abney

• Alicia Anthony

• Rick Best

• Hakim Coggins

• Penny Billington Hunt

• Xay Khamsyvoravong

• Amy Machado

• Kendra Wilson-Muenter, Ward Chair

• Ellen Pinnock, Ward Vice Chair

• Melissa Rivon

• Stephanie Smyth

• Susan Taylor

Ward 2

• Margaret Baker

• Susan Barnes

• Bill Cooper

• Dawn Euer

• Michael Garman

• Matt Grant

• Varina Gunn

• Catherine Hillery

• Michael Hussey, Ward Vice Chair

• Charlie Laranjo

• Paul Marshall

• Jennifer Murray

• Sue Pashko

• Anthony (Tony) Pyanoe

• Jean Quinn

• Mary Alice Smith

• Gene Thompson-Grove, Ward Chair

• Rob Vitello

• James I. Winters

Ward 3

• Lauren Carson

• Deanna Conheeny

• Diana P. Crowley, Ward Vice Chair

• Heather DePinho

• Alessandra Manning Dolnier

• Kate Jessup

• Carolann Lyons

• Elise McCaffrey

• Mary F. Moniz

• Olivia Nagle

• Cynthia O'Malley, Ward Chair