Meet Charlie,

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Mayor of Newport · Newport City Councilor At-Large
Director of Operations, Gardiner House & Francis Malbone House

 

Charlie Holder is a lifelong Newporter, hospitality professional, and current Mayor of the City of Newport.

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For more than 30 years, Charlie has built his career in the restaurant and hospitality industry around a simple philosophy: work hard, treat people with respect, and surround yourself with good people.

Born and raised in Newport, Charlie followed in his parents’ footsteps and began working in the restaurant industry in 1983. Over the years, he has worked nearly every job in the business—from washing dishes and bartending to managing some of Newport’s busiest restaurants and hospitality destinations.

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After spending 10 years in Naples, Florida, Charlie returned home to Newport in 2010. Today, he serves as Director of Operations at Gardiner House and Francis Malbone House.

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In 2020, Charlie ran for Newport City Council to bring his experience as a longtime resident and hospitality professional to City Hall. He went on to serve two terms representing Newport’s Second Ward before being elected to an At-Large seat in 2024. His fellow Council members subsequently selected him to serve as Council Chair and Mayor.

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Now in his sixth year of service on the Newport City Council, Charlie remains focused on the same thing that brought him to City Hall in the first place: listening to residents, approaching challenges with common sense, and working together to make Newport a better place to live, work, and call home.

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Whether he’s at City Hall, at work, or walking around town, Charlie believes leadership starts with showing up, listening, and treating people with respect.

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Newport has always been Charlie’s home. Serving the community that raised him is a responsibility he is proud to carry forward.

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Committed to Community.