Adminstration

Mellone F. Long brings to Center For Neighborhoods her rich experience in public sector neighborhood planning, economic development and higher education in Lorain, County, OH; Fort Myers, FL; Greenville, SC; and Cleveland, OH.  Her background includes comprehensive neighborhood planning, transportation planning, historic preservation, economic development, affordable/workforce housing initiatives, and brownfield redevelopment. She holds a Ph.D from Clemson University’s School of Planning Design & the Built Environment, a M.S. in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and a B.A. in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University.  She also currently teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Planning, Urban Studies, and Economic Development at Cleveland State University.

Terri leads our development and communications strategy and manages all philanthropic, grant and corporate relationships. Before moving to Louisville in 2011, Terri lived and worked in Seattle, Washington, California and Cameroon, where she accumulated over 12 years of non-profit experience engaged in grassroots organizing, advocacy, and social change. Terri holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in social welfare. She is a proud Schnitzelburg resident and is passionate about philanthropy, social justice and sustainability.

Engagement and Education

Mikal Forbush is a native Louisvillian and resident of Old Louisville. He leads the Neighborhood Liaison outreach program and all Educational programs including the Neighborhood Institute and the Neighborhood Summit. Previously, he was a Senior Program Coordinator with the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of Louisville. He has a background in working with youth and community organizations around creating change. Mikal is a graduate of the University of Louisville with degrees in Pan African Studies and Sociology, and enjoys many activities within the city. Mikal serves neighborhoods in Metro Council Districts 6, 9, and 25.

Johnique (Johni) Ison is a West Louisville Native and is a current member of the Pleasure Ridge Park neighborhood. She has had ample experience working with various communities bringing about change to both individuals and organizations. Aside from consistent service throughout District 5, Johnique has worked with underrepresented groups through Girl Scouts and Jefferson County Public Schools. She also sits on the board of a local non-profit that focuses on the enriching of children from ALL Louisville areas. Her passions include giving love and seeing change. In her spare time, she likes to read, create and travel. As a Neighborhood Liaison, she serves Metro Council Districts 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 15, 22, 23, & 25.

Ryane Puckett was born and raised in Hobart, Indiana, but moved to Louisville in 2005. A resident of the Southside neighborhood for the past 10 years, she is very passionate about her neighborhood and has worked with her neighbors to enhance the many assets the Southend has to offer. She was a graduate of the Neighborhood Institute, founder of the Southside Neighborhood Association, volunteer for Better Block Woodlawn Avenue and a community leader on Southside PAINT project before joining the staff. Her interests include spending time with her husband and 2 daughters, finding hidden gems in cities, and hosting dinner parties. As Neighborhood Liaison, she serves neighborhoods in Metro Council Districts 10, 8, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26

Tia Coatley is a Louisville native from Newburg who currently resides in Prospect. Before joining the team, Tia was an entrepreneur working with small businesses and nonprofits to grow their brands and connection to community.  She volunteers with Centerstone, ArtxFM, SCORE, and Louisville Tourism. Her personal passions include community engagement, event planning, and radio broadcasting. She also enjoys spending time with her grown children. As a Neighborhood Liaison, she serves Metro Council Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 16, 17, and 24.

Planning and Design

Christi is passionate about grassroots community building and is on a mission to bring the power of data and mapping into the hands of community leaders. She is a certified GIS Professional with 25 years of experience providing geospatial services, including more than 10 years with LOJIC. Her experience includes development and maintenance of ArcGIS Server based web map services, geospatial analysis, geospatial database and applications development, data mining and data fusion services. Christi has a BS in Environmental Geography from the University of Louisville. Christi enjoys playing music and gardening in her spare time, and currently serves on the board of Crescent Hill Radio where she created, produced and hosted the original Home Grown Radio Hour.

Board of Directors

Center For Neighborhoods has a wonderful Board of active and committed members that are driven by a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of people and neighborhoods. CFN's Board members utilize their personal skills and time to ensure the health and expand the work of the orgnanization.