2024-01

WHEREAS, Members of the City Council of the City of Newport, would like to recognize Director of Human Resources, Michael J. Coury, for his many years of dedication and service to the City of Newport; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Coury began his employment with the City as the Personnel Administrator with the City’s Finance Department in 1989 and served with distinction in that capacity until January 2002 when he was then elevated to the Executive Management department of the City Manager assisting in all human resource program and services for the City; in July 2016 he was reclassified to Director of Human Resources where he continued in this role until his City retirement making him the longest serving HR professional in Newport’s history to date; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Coury has always adhered to the highest standards of ethical conduct and has sought to lead by example to foster an environment of integrity, responsibility, empathy and commitment to municipal service thus acquiring 153 letters of commendations along with 14 professional Awards and recognitions as a HR Management Practitioner; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Coury obtained his professional HR certification in 2007 for the Public Sector and in 2015 for the Private Sector and has spent his career educating and promoting sound HR practices through speaking engagements held across the State and lectures at the University-level, and in October 2006 he developed and implemented a five-community testing process for Police Officers which was the first-ever regional selection process held in the State’s history; and

WHEREAS, a highly regarded member of the community, Michael J. Coury has contributed his time to many professional associations, local businesses and organizations, and has served as President for the RI IPMA, President of the Eastern Region IPMA-HR, Eastern Region Representative of the National IPMA-HR and has served on various committees as well as the Board of Trustees of the RI Interlocal Risk Management Trust; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Coury represented the City as the official greeter to the 1998 visit by President Bill Clinton, and established many employee-related activities such as the Employee Services Awards, City Hall holiday decorations, the Annual Health Benefits Fair and many fund raisers and community outreach events; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Coury has decided that, after thirty-four years of service to the City, it is time to retire and enjoy life and spending time with his family, relatives and friends pursuing activities and interests that he has heretofore had limited time to enjoy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED: that the Council of the City of Newport hereby expresses its deep appreciation to Michael J. Coury for his many years of distinguished service with the City of Newport, for his commitment and dedication to the citizens of Newport, and wishes him well in his retirement and future endeavors.

JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO
LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE
MARK ARAMLI
DAVID R. CARLIN, III
CHARLIE HOLDER
ANGELA MCCALLA
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
JANUARY 10, 2024

SULPICIO C. ALAAN III
DEPUTY CITY CLERK