Trudy Coxe

Trudy Coxe joined The PreservationSociety of Newport County as Chief Executive Officer in December 1998. She oversees more than 400 employees and has directed the growth of the organization’s operating budget from $9 million to $16 million annually. Visitation has also grown, with more than 900,000 visits annually. Under her leadership, fundraising, retail sales at the Society’s eight museum stores, and membership have grown dramatically. Immediately prior to joining the Preservation Society, Coxe served as Massachusetts’ Secretary of Environmental Affairs from 1993 through 1998. Previously, she was Executive Director of Rhode Island’s Save the Bay for 11 years, turning it into the largest citizen action organization in New England. She also served for two years as Director of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Coxe’s volunteer involvement is extensive. She currently serves on the boards of the National Recreation and Park Association, the Appalachian Mountain Club, Grow Smart Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Commodores, the Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting, the Wheeler School, the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, Child and Family Services and the Attractions Council of Newport County. In addition, she sits on the Advisory Board of the Conservation Law Foundation/Rhode Island. Coxe is also a member of the Council of Advisors for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, and of Skal International, a professional organization of tourism leaders. She is an Incorporator of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, BankNewport and the Newport Health Care Corporation; and a trustee of the Community College of Rhode Island Foundation.