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
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.
Will You Raise Your Hand?
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.
Thank you for considering Creative Cities Fund for your generous donation.
Chair
Kris McBride
Our Members
- Susan Anderson, Community Leader
- Sam Barnes, Chief Technology Officer, SitusHawk
- Terri Bentley, Redstone Federal Credit Union
- Cindi Branham, NetFocus Marketing
- Robert Buddo, Downtown Huntsville, Inc.
- Hilary Claybourne, UAH SBDC/PTAC
- Conn Crabtree, Doster Construction
- Kyle Findlay, Keel Point
- Sam Gillis, Software Engineering Branch Chief, US Army DEVCOM AvMC
- Leah Gradl, Thrive Business Development
- Chris Hanback, The Ventis Group
- Andrew Jennings, Transcend
- Daniel Kasambira, United Way of Madison County
- Donna Lamb, Coldwell Banker Commercial McLain Real Estate
- Kris McBride, Community Leader
- Joshua McCoy, Director, PFM
- Janice Migliore, PALCO
- Susan Ozment, Keller Williams
- Jason Parks, Refuge Church
- Jeanne Payne, Cook Museum
- Jonathan Rosswog, Datakata
- Judy Ryals, Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Tonya Thomas, License Partner, Engel and Volkers Huntsville