Kelly Coates named 'Hospitality Ambassador of Year'

Posted 2/20/20

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) recently recognized Warwick resident Kelly MacArthur Coates, president and CEO of the Carpionato Group, as one of two "e;Hospitality Ambassadors of the Year"e; at its 30th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Ceremony at

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.

Kelly Coates named 'Hospitality Ambassador of Year'

NEWEST AMBASSADOR: Dale J. Venturini, President and CEO, RI Hospitality Association; Kelly MacArthur Coates, president and CEO, Carpionato Group; and Christopher Tarro, Chairman, RI Hospitality Association are pictured at the recent 30th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Ceremony where Coates was honored as “Hospitality Ambassador of the Year.”

(Submitted photo)

Posted Thursday, February 20, 2020 1:24 pm

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) recently recognized Warwick resident Kelly MacArthur Coates, president and CEO of the Carpionato Group, as one of two “Hospitality Ambassadors of the Year” at its 30th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Ceremony at Twin River Casino Hotel Event Center.

Also named an ambassador is Senator Frank Lombardi of Cranston.

Coates has 30 years of real estate experience in Rhode Island, specifically in acquisition and development alongside the late Alfred Carpionato, the Founder and original CEO of the Carpionato Group. Since taking over leadership in all Carpionato acquisitions, Coates has developed an extensive knowledge of complex rezoning projects and the project entitlement process across New England.

“Kelly is known as a visionary and economic development is key to effectively marketing the state for business and tourism alike,” said Dale J. Venturini, President and CEO of RIHA. “Successful community revitalization is a key facet to a robust hospitality industry.”

Coates is responsible as the head of Carpionato Commercial Leasing for all office and retail properties overseen by the organization. His resume includes office leases with Fortune 500 companies including large regional offices for RBS/Citizens Bank, Markel Insurance, CR Bard, EMC and Alex and Ani, as well as retail leases exceeding two million square feet.

Lombardi earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business from Providence College and his Juris Doctor from the prestigious Northeastern University School of Law. He is a parishioner of the Holy Apostles Church; a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and the Rhode Association for Justice; President of the Rhode Island Soccer Officials Association; a former member of the Board of Directors for the Justinian Law Society; former Vice President of the Probate Judges Association; a former member of the Board of Trustees for Saint Mary’s Academy Bay View; and a former board member for Saint Rocco’s School.

“Senator Lombardi is a great friend to the hospitality industry in Rhode Island, sponsoring key pieces of legislation that helped modernize liquor laws and expanded food donation liability protections across the state,” said Venturini.