Accelerator for America Welcomes New Leaders to Board, Advisory Council
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
Accelerator for America’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council comprise a diverse cohort of distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors, who bring insights, innovation and urgency to our mission. They represent a unique advantage that we have as we work to find and develop solutions to economic insecurity and share them with communities across the country, and our leadership is a driving factor in how last year, we were able to work with 80 cities across America.
Hence, it is incredibly important to our organization – and a huge honor – for us to share with you that The Honorable Michael B. Hancock, former Mayor, City & County of Denver, has joined the AFA Board, and the following leaders have joined our Advisory Council:
Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, St. Louis, MO
Mayor Victoria Woodards, Tacoma, WA
The Hon. Henry Cisneros, Chairman, American Triple I; former Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and former Mayor, San Antonio, TX
David Gilford, Head of Policy, Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners
Joe Scantlebury, President & CEO, Living Cities
“Accelerator for America is a unique and action-oriented organization whose work immediately impacts our nation’s local communities. As a former Mayor, I see my work on the Accelerator Board as a continuation of my lifelong commitment to making a difference through local action.” – The Hon. Michael B. Hancock, Former Mayor, City & County of Denver
"I am honored to join the Advisory Council of Accelerator for America, an organization that has built a strong network of leaders working together to respond to both historic and current inequities. I’m excited to work alongside the rest of the council to develop inclusive strategies for capital and infrastructure growth that truly make a difference in the lives of Americans.” – Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, St. Louis, MO
“I am honored to be joining my peers to focus on economic development in each city, town, and village throughout the nation as well as back at home in Tacoma.” Said Mayor Victoria Woodards, “The work that Accelerator for America does is vital in strengthening the economic capabilities of our communities in a way that centers equity, and I am proud to be a part of these efforts.” – Mayor Victoria Woodards, Tacoma, WA
“I have participated in many policy discussions over the years – my guess is many hundreds – but AFA's Kansas City work session was one of the best I have experienced. It was substantive, well-run, concise, and uplifting. It confirmed for me my observations about the Accelerator overall and about its leadership. I will do my part to advance our goals for the country through Accelerator for America.” – The Hon. Henry Cisneros
"I'm delighted and honored to join Accelerator for America's Advisory Council. AFA's mission of driving national change from the ground up is more critical than ever, as communities across the country grapple with the interconnected challenges of economic insecurity and outdated infrastructure. I look forward to partnering with fellow public and private sector leaders on the Advisory Council to bring innovative solutions that help American cities build a bright future," – David Gilford, Head of Policy, Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners
"Cities and local communities have the solutions to our national problems – we just need to scale them. Becoming a part of the Accelerator for America's network will help us to find and expand the most promising solutions to economic insecurity, creating an economy where all are living abundant, dignified and connected lives." – Joe Scantlebury, CEO of Living Cities
We encourage you to learn more about them and our entire leadership here. Accelerator for America is convening our Advisory Council and broader community in Chicago in April, and we cannot wait to see how we collectively write the next chapter of our mission to create national change from the ground up.
Thank you.