Newport City Manager Tom Fromme – who over an accomplished 44-year career patrolled the streets as a police officer, led the police department as chief and oversaw the operation of the city – has announced he will retire at the end of the year.
Fromme, 67, is a third-generation Newport resident who, other than for a brief time away at college, never lived outside of the city. Through his career he forged a legacy of dedication, commitment and success that included the transformation of his hometown into a booming community of urban redevelopment, neighborhood revitalization, improved infrastructure and a tremendous quality of life.
“I love this city,” Fromme said. “But I truly believe we have reached a really good place as a city and an organization. It has not been easy getting to get to this point, but I feel comfortable with retiring at this stage. There’s more to do, and more to accomplish, but we have an excellent team with our board of commissioners and city staff. I am confident the city is in great hands.
“After 44 years, it is time for a younger generation to take over and personally time for me to turn the page.”
Fromme, who graduated from Newport High School and grew up on Fourth Street, joined the city as a police officer in 1980, became police chief in 1991 and was named city manager in 2005. For a time, he served a dual role as police chief as well as city manager.
“Tom Fromme is a dedicated public servant whose remarkable career spanned over 44 years in our community,” said Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. “He has served in a variety of roles, leaving an indelible mark on our city.”
Among the major accomplishments the city achieved under Fromme’s leadership include:
• Development of the Ovation, the $1 billion, 25-acre urban mixed-use development at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking Rivers.
• The $100 million Newport Pavilion shopping center. The ongoing investments being made by the owner of Newport on the Levee, North American Properties, and the planned Margaretville Resort at the Levee.
• The development of major residential developments including Academy on Fourth, Monmouth Row and many others, which has attracted new residents to the city, including to the urban core.
• The mixed-used development being developed at the former World Peace Bell site.
• The ongoing improvements of Riverfront Commons and the planned renovation of riverfront parks.
• Street and sidewalk improvements throughout the city, including ongoing work along the Monmouth Street business corridor.
• Attracted St. Elizabeth Healthcare, which has a major facility on Grand Avenue in South Newport and is planning a facility at The Ovation.
• The vitality and creation of historic districts in the city, most recently on the west side of Newport.
“All of our developments have been important, from the large projects to the smaller ones, but the real success has been consistency and the totality of what we have achieved as a team,” Fromme said. “We’ve been successful across the board in developing residential, commercial, office and hospitality and entertainment.”
Mayor Guidugli also announced the commencement of an internal search for the city’s next city manager.
“This decision reflects a commitment to continuity and leveraging existing expertise within the city government,” Mayor Guidugli said. “Our goal is to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible, capitalizing on the deep knowledge and understanding of our current team.”
The search will delve into the qualifications of current staff to find the ultimate fit for this pivotal role, the mayor said.
“By focusing on internal candidates, our board aims to build on the existing relationships and institutional knowledge that are crucial for the city’s future success,” Mayor Guidugli said.
Fromme said the city is well positioned to continue progressing, growing and improving.
“It’s time to bring in the next generation and keep moving forward,” he said. “We have several developments that are already underway and more in the pipeline. The future looks bright for the city.”
City of Newport
Congratulations Tom! Enjoy your well deserved retirement.