Congrats to our 2009-2010 Community Catalysts

TALLAHASSEE, FL—The Knight Creative Communities Institute has selected 30 members to be a part of its 2009-2010 Catalyst Class.

These “community catalysts” will work together with local leaders and advocates to develop projects aimed at diversifying Tallahassee’s economy beyond government and education.  Members of the first Knight Creative Class were responsible for producing the Tallahassee Film Festival, the environmental group Sustainable Tallahassee and the Get Gaines Going Initiative to turn the street into an arts and entertainment district.

“We really focused on diversity this year—background, experience, industry, age, gender and ethnicity,” said Laurie Hartsfield, executive director of the institute, which is based at Tallahassee Community College. “I think we’ve got a very talented and creative group of individuals who reflect our community’s demographics really well.”

The catalysts, who were selected from more than 140 applicants, will combine the work of renowned social theorist Richard Florida with survey data and community dialogue to devise new ways to help the city’s economy grow.  The volunteers will begin by participating in a three-day training seminar and continue to meet over the course of a year.

“A part of what makes Tallahassee such a great city is the ability for everyone, no matter who you are, to have a real chance at changing history through opportunities like KCCI,” explained new catalyst Valerie Wickboldt, Communications Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend. “I’m excited to work with all the new catalysts to highlight today’s Tallahassee and help it progress into the Tallahassee of tomorrow.”

Community Catalysts

Ronald Baker                          Shawn Kalbli                          Jay Revell       

Jovita Bakker                          Nadia Kamal                           Jenny Robertson

Betsy Barfield                         Jake Kiker, III                         Gerri Seay

Mike Campbell                        Rod Lipscomb                        Marty Sipple

Cory Couch                             Julie Lovelace                         Kim Smalls

Hetal Desai                             Bill Mattox                              William Smith

John Fleming                           Leslie Mille                             John Webb

Ben Graybar                            John Parker                             Valerie Wickboldt

Crystal Green                          Susan Pourciau                        Kawana Williams

Lewis James, III                     Casie Reinholt                         Sarah Wilson