With 200 companies, more than 10,000 jobs, and a port recognized as one of the top ten auto importers on the continent, the economic engine that is Quonset Business Park is working hard to do its part to make Gov. Gina Raimondo's "Rhode Island economic comeback" a success. Our momentum is a result of a number factors. The Park is in a central location near both Boston and New York, with direct access to Narragansett Bay. Our site readiness program makes pre-permitted parcels available so that new businesses can begin construction in 90 days. Finally the park is led by a dedicated, hardworking team committed to the success of our tenant companies, and our state.
One key member of our team is Kevin Barry, our director of finance. Having served in that position since November of 2007, Kevin was originally hired as the facility controller in 1996. Kevin consistently exemplifies what it means to be an effective problem solver, team player, and key leader on the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) staff.
A lifelong resident of Pawtucket, Kevin earned both his bachelor's degree (Business Administration) and MBA (Accounting) from Bryant University. Today, his responsibilities at Quonset are extensive. Kevin is charged with overseeing all financial functions of the QDC including, among other things, the annual budget, annual audits, lease payments, PILOT payments, Port fees and tariffs, and federal grant reimbursements. Additionally, he oversees all human resource practices, benefits programs, hirings and dismissals, and payroll.
In addition, Kevin's oversight extends to the coordination, billing, and accounting of all utilities provided to the tenants and North Kingstown residents by the QDC, the management of the rail transportation fund between the QDC and Seaview Transportation (Quonset's own freight rail line), and the management of a joint capital fund which the QDC shares with the town of North Kingstown. And as if that wasn't enough, Kevin is also responsible for managing the Corporation's insurance policies for general liability, property insurance, and automotive insurance. This involves the coordination of brokerage services, policy negotiation, and policy upkeep and management.
Consistently throughout his time here, Kevin's value as a member of the QDC team has been made apparent in many ways. In 2009, Kevin developed and administered an entirely new payroll program and a new benefits package for all QDC employees. Additionally, Kevin plays a significant role in the analysis of the corporation's utility rates which has led to vast changes in QDC's practices. His strategic financial analysis has also manifested itself in new leasing standards and incentives for the Park, which were approved by the QDC's board of directors in 2013.
Kevin Barry's expertise has also proved essential in the QDC's efforts to earn more grants from the federal government. When Quonset was awarded more than $22.5 million in a TIGER grant in 2010, he was responsible for ensuring that all work completed met the necessary criteria, contractors stayed on budget, and grant funding was received in a timely manner. Under his watch, the QDC's grant budgeting has often exceeded government expectations, which has contributed to the QDC's increase in revenue in each of the last five years. In addition, Kevin is responsible for ensuring the available cash flow and timely payment for tens of millions of dollars of construction contracts outside the TIGER projects, as part of his role at the QDC.
Just as important, Kevin is known by his colleagues as a reasonable, approachable, passionate, skilled, and helpful colleague. Kevin recognizes Quonset's importance as one of the state's key driver's of economic development and is working tirelessly to play his part in our growth. In fact, in 2014 his superior work at the QDC earned him recognition as "Chief Financial Officer of the Year" for state-quasi agencies from the Providence Business News.
As a trusted advisor to the QDC board and to me, Kevin's contributions to Quonset's success over the past 18 years has been invaluable. We are fortunate to have him on our team, and look forward to working with him for years to come.

Steven King, PE, is the managing director of the Quonset Development Corp., North Kingstown.