Creative Cities Fund
Our Mission
The mission of the Creative Cities Fund is to create a culture of innovation in economic development and public education.
Thinking big means planning for smart, sustainable growth. The Creative Cities Fund exists to help our community make the leap to become a visionary city that attracts thought leaders, creators, entrepreneurs and businesses alike.
We know making the leap takes time and planning. It requires creative ideas today and sustainable models for tomorrow. That’s why we look for smart, tangible opportunities to spur economic development and improve education in our community. They’re our building blocks for success.
The Creative Cities Fund is about innovation – backed by a solid business plan.
WHo we are
The Creative Cities Fund (CCF) was established in 2015 to drive innovation in economic development and education. CCF exists to help our community make the leap to become a visionary city that attracts leaders, creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses alike.
We know making the leap takes time and planning. It requires creative ideas today and sustainable models for tomorrow. That’s why we look for smart, tangible opportunities to spur economic development and improve education in our community. They are our building blocks for success.
Past Events:
2013: Peter Kageyama, Author discussed placemaking and the importance of downtowns.
2015: Victor Dover, town planner, and urban designer, presented the importance of regional visioning
Event inspired the creation of Launch2035
2016: Mike Lydon, planner discussed land use planning.
Event inspired Singing River Tral
2017: Andy Stoll, Kauffman Foundation, presented on entrepreneurship
Event developed regional ecosystem study.
2018: Dr. James Garbarino, Author, discussed the culture of public education
Event-funded mental health workshop and poverty simulations.
2019: National Board Teacher Campaign
Raised $200,000 for local National Board Certified Teachers
2020: Raise Your Hand Campaign
Raised $700,000 to date for local National Board Certified Teachers
2023: Megan O’Hara, Urban Design Associates, presented innovative solutions for workforce housing.
Raise Your Hand
Raise Your Hand is a bold initiative to add 500 new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) to Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County school systems. National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. Research shows that NBCTs increase student achievement, improve classroom management, and produce a higher return on investment for their schools.
We’re a smart community. North Alabama has one of the highest concentrations of engineers and STEM professionals in the country. We should have the highest concentration of NBCTs in Alabama and among our peer cities nationwide.
Will You Raise Your Hand?


Donate
Thank you for considering Creative Cities Fund for your generous donation. Click here to make an online gift.

Chair
Kris McBride
Our Members
- Rosalie Allen, deciBel Research
- Susan Anderson, Community Leader
- Terri Bentley, Redstone Federal Credit Union
- Michael Bertoldi, Noetic Strategies, Inc.
- Cindi Branham, NetFocus Marketing
- Robert Buddo, Downtown Huntsville, Inc.
- Hilary Claybourne, UAH SBDC/PTAC
- Conn Crabtree, Doster Construction
- Kyle Findlay, Keel Point
- Todd Gandy, MicroAge
- Bobby Ginn, Crestwood Medical Center
- Leah Gradl, Thrive Business Development
- Chris Hanback, The Ventis Group
- Laurie Heard, Move Digital
- Laura Huckabee-Jennings, Transcend
- Andrew Jennings, Transcend
- Daniel Kasambira, United Way of Madison County
- Donna Lamb, Coldwell Banker Commercial McLain Real Estate
- Kris McBride, Community Leader
- Janice Migliore, PALCO
- Susan Ozment, Keller Williams
- Jason Parks, Refuge Church
- Jeanne Payne, Cook Museum
- Jami Peyton, CANVAS
- Jason Puckett, Toyota Manufacturing
- Beth Richardson, United Community Bank
- Jonathan Rosswog, Datakata
- Judy Ryals, Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Angie Sandritter, RippleWorx
- Bekah Schmidt, Toyota Manufacturing
- Felica Sparks, Ad4! Group
- Dexter Strong, Deloitte