Two Salve business alums build careers at New York Yacht Club

By Karen Carlo Ruhren

In early 2025, in search of an events coordinator, Julie Kasley '03 sifted through hundreds of resumes from applicants. The special events director at New York Yacht Club (NYYC) Harbour Court in Newport knew she needed someone with particular qualities. Positive energy, extraordinary flexibility and razor-sharp logistical planning – skills she herself had developed as a business administration major at Salve Regina University, were critical to the role.  

Kasley had her pick of many applicants with vast experience, but one resume stood out: a recent Salve graduate: Julia Govoni '24, '25 (M).

"Our commonalities stood out," recalled Kasley. "Well of course, the name, and she was from Salve. She came across as energetic and positive – somehow, I knew she would be good." After meeting her, Kasley knew she had found her events coordinator.  

Kasley's career at NYYC began with a connection she had made as an undergraduate in a Salve class with a NYYC member. That relationship opened the door to her long tenure at the Club, where she now oversees the successful cruising program. Kasley has managed sailing experiences ranging from small rendezvous to Cuttyhunk (off the coast of Massachusetts) to the British Virgin Islands, Iceland, Greenland and Morocco aboard a modern, luxury tall ship.

Together, the dynamic duo oversees one of the largest hospitality facilities on Aquidneck Island. They plan everything from regattas to weddings, invitational cups, Race Week and international cruises – all serving more than 3,500 members, both civilian and Navy-based.

"No day is ever the same," said Kasley. "Take today, for example. About 160 guests should be racing [on the ocean] but there's no wind. So of course, the post-race event will be delayed," she explained with a sigh. It's a domino effect, according to Kasley who, with Govoni, must pivot quickly. Each week Kasley produces a banquet event order packet, including timeline, menus and rental and tenting information for her team. Though the plans may go awry, the prep is essential. "You must be able to think on your feet," said Kasley.

This summer, along with the sailing office, Kasley and Govoni coordinated 117 boats and more than 500 members off the coast of Maine for the 170th NYYC Annual Cruise. This event required orchestrating a captain's meeting and opening reception, a lobster dinner in a boat shed and a cocktail party on a member's remote island – including a barge to transport catering and tents. In their dynamic roles, energy is a must.

As a recent graduate, Govoni is thriving at this speed. "It's definitely a fast-paced industry," she said, "but I love the hustle of it. I love creating experiences that feel exciting and meaningful for the community."

After earning her bachelor's degree in marketing, Govoni continued at Salve with her MBA and studied abroad at University of Oxford through Salve's summer program. Initially unsure of her direction, Govoni found herself drawn to the events industry through her business classes and internships, including her time at the Newport International Boat Show. "The work ethic and passion of my mentors motivated me to learn as much as possible," she said.  

Govoni later served as a marketing and events assistant at Bowen's Wharf Company, where she helped coordinate the annual seafood festival and Christmas tree lighting on the wharf. "I loved seeing all the hard work come to life for the community to enjoy," she shared.

NYYC has been the perfect proving ground for Govoni, with Kasley's guidance. "There’s never a day I don't learn from her," said Govoni.

Both Kasley and Govoni have learned about the hospitality industry through firsthand experience, yet they agree that Salve's newly formed tourism, hospitality and event management major will super-fuel the students interested in this career. The program blends business basics with hands-on experience in hotel management, event planning and sustainable tourism in a city where about 35 percent of jobs are tied to tourism and hospitality sectors.

"My business background at Salve and knowledge of planning projects with spreadsheets were so helpful in my field," said Kasley. However, she believes that now, especially with Newport's tourism-based economy, a hospitality-focused program makes good business sense.

"Newport is the perfect spot for this new program at Salve," added Govoni, whose love for the City by the Sea prompted her to start her own business, Never Leaving Newport. "It's built around bringing people together through movement and sharing what Newport gives you: a feeling that you never want to leave. And even if you do one day, Newport never leaves you," she said.

With Kasley at the height of her career and Govoni learning quickly, NYYC continues to thrive. NYYC's recent 175th anniversary celebration hosted a record-breaking 1,600 people. But for Kasley, the job still energizes her. "We work when others don't. We get to travel around the world. It's never mundane, always fun," she said.

Reminded of Salve's mercy mission, Govoni added, "For me it's all about community, kindness and putting people first."