Matthew Gray, owner of Gray Matter Marketing and Ragged Island Brewing Company, has been elected chair of the Board of Directors of Discover Newport.
Gray, who represents Portsmouth on the board, has served since 2019. He previously chaired the finance committee as treasurer and served on the organization’s recent CEO search committee.
Discover Newport is the destination management organization for Newport and Bristol counties.
Gray founded Gray Matter Marketing in 2012. The agency produces events including the Amica Newport Marathon and the Citizens Pell Bridge Run. He is also founding partner and president of Ragged Island Brewing Company, a farm brewery in Portsmouth.
He previously served as vice chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center board and president of the Rhode Island Brewers Guild.
Gray grew up in Newport’s Fifth Ward and graduated from Newport Public Schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Providence College in 2002 and an MBA from the University of Hartford in 2008. He lives in Portsmouth with his wife, Kathryn, and their two children.
“As a local kid, it is truly an honor to represent my fellow small business owners and the residents of our nine incredible coastal communities,” Gray said. “My focus will be to support the staff and leadership of Discover Newport in their mission to strengthen our destination.”
Gray said he wants to increase visitation during the off-season and on weekdays while maintaining quality of life for residents.
Discover Newport President and CEO Victoria Cimino said the organization is working on a new strategic plan.
Gray’s term begins immediately.