Bike Newport Welcomes Tuni Schartner as Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy
(photo credit Go Local Prov)
We’re very pleased to announce that Tuni Schartner has joined the Bike Newport team as our new Director of Partnerships & Philanthropy.
Tuni brings more than three decades of experience in community building, strategic partnerships, business development, fundraising, communications, and organizational growth. Throughout her career, she has worked across Rhode Island’s nonprofit, entrepreneurial, economic development, and civic sectors, helping organizations strengthen relationships, build sustainable revenue streams, and increase their impact.
Many of us got to know Tuni as the inaugural Director of Innovate Newport where she was responsible for opening the facility and building the initial community and culture from 2018 to 2020.
Most recently, Tuni served as Interim Executive Director of MAE Organization for the Homeless, where she led organizational stabilization efforts, strengthened fundraising systems, expanded community partnerships, and helped position the organization for its next chapter. She is also the founder of Tuni Schartner Consulting, co-founder of The Hive RI, former inaugural Executive Director of Innovate Newport, and a long-time advocate for Rhode Island’s small business and nonprofit communities.
At Bike Newport, Tuni will lead our efforts to strengthen philanthropic support, cultivate strategic partnerships, expand sponsorship opportunities, and deepen relationships with donors, community leaders, businesses, foundations, and public-sector partners.
Tuni shared, ” I’ve been a supporter of Bike Newport since my first encounter. What attracts me to Bike Newport is that it’s about so much more than bicycles. At its heart, Bike Newport is building healthier communities, expanding transportation choices, supporting environmental stewardship, strengthening local economies, and creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience Rhode Island in a more connected way. I’m excited to help tell that story and build the relationships that will support Bike Newport’s future growth and impact.”
“We are so happy to welcome Tuni to the Bike Newport team,” said Bari Freeman, Executive Director and Founder of Bike Newport. “Her experience building partnerships, connecting communities, and helping organizations grow aligns perfectly with our mission and our vision for the future.”
As we continue to expand our programs and partnerships, Tuni’s leadership will help strengthen our capacity to engage supporters, increase visibility, and advance our efforts to make biking a practical and accessible option for more people.
Please join us in welcoming Tuni and sharing your interest in her community and fund development work. Tuni can be reached at tuni@bikenewportri.org and (401) 996-7822.
Bike Newport