JOHN SILVA
Meet
MARINA MANAGER
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JOHN SILVA
THE NEWPORT HOTEL & MARINA | NEWPORT, RI
John Silva brings a lifetime of boating experience and a deep personal connection to The Newport Hotel & Marina, where he currently serves as Marina Manager. A native Rhode Islander, John grew up exploring the waters of Narragansett Bay and Block Island, forming an early love for the ocean that would later guide his career. At age 16, he began working in the yard crew at a full-service boatyard, gaining hands-on knowledge of vessel maintenance and marina operations. In 2015, while attending Westfield State University where he played college baseball, John joined The Newport’s marina team as a seasonal dockhand. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a part-time dockmaster in 2018 and transitioning to a full-time leadership role in 2022. Now in his 11th season at the property, John is proud to manage a marina he once visited as a kid, delivering the same sense of excitement and hospitality he remembers from those early days on the water.
BOATING EXPERIENCE
With over a decade of professional marine experience and a lifetime spent exploring local waters, John has developed an extensive skill set that spans both recreational boating and day-to-day marina operations. From his early days hauling boats and maintaining gear to managing busy fuel docks and guest arrivals, John understands the full spectrum of what it takes to run a successful waterfront. His true passion, however, lies in fishing. He has spent countless hours on the water chasing striped bass, bluefish, and fluke, and he knows the seasonal patterns and best spots across Rhode Island’s coastline. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, John is always eager to share his experience, offer tips, and help guests make the most of their time on the water.
LOCAL EXPERTISE
John’s connection to Newport goes beyond the docks. A longtime resident and active member of the local community, he’s a go-to source for guests looking to plan their stay. From recommending hidden coves for a quiet afternoon on the boat to pointing out his favorite restaurants, golf courses, and entertainment spots, John prides himself on helping visitors experience the best of Newport tailored to their interests. As a former teacher, coach, and youth umpire, he brings strong communication skills and a team-focused mindset to every interaction. He’s also deeply involved in local civic issues, particularly advocating for affordable housing for Newport’s service workers, and brings that same sense of commitment and care to the guests who visit the marina each season.
CUSTOMER PHILOSOPHY
John believes that every marina guest should feel welcomed, respected, and valued from the moment they arrive. At The Newport Hotel & Marina, he leads with a simple but important philosophy: every boater looks forward to their time in Newport, and it’s the marina’s job to make that experience as smooth, relaxing, and memorable as possible. Whether it’s coordinating your arrival, offering a warm greeting, or helping you plan the perfect weekend itinerary, John and his team are here to ensure your visit lives up to everything you imagined. Courteous service, local knowledge, and a team that genuinely cares about your stay are the values John brings to the dock every day.