our team
Who we are
THE TEAM BEHIND THE WORK
Facing challenging neighborhood contexts requires an intentional team. We’re thankful to have inspired and committed leaders guiding our center’s efforts.
Our Leadership
Co-director and head of programs
Mikal Forbush
Mikal is a native Louisvillian and has been with the Center for Neighborhoods since 2017. He started at the organization as the Senior Neighborhood Liaison, leading the outreach and engagement team. His next role was leading our Educational programs including the Neighborhood Institute and the Neighborhood Summit as well as leading the outreach program. 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 creating change with youth and community organizations. Mikal is a graduate of the University of Louisville with degrees in Pan-African Studies and Sociology and enjoys many activities within the city.
Contact our Head of Programs
Email:
mikalf@centerforneighborhoods.org
CO-DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Carla Dearing
Carla joined CFN in July 2024 as Co-Director and Head of Community Investment to lend her experience in strategic planning and managing grants and fiscal sponsorships covering community-driven planning initiatives, and related economic empowerment projects in underinvested communities. Carla started her career at Morgan Stanley & Co. and went on to be a three-time founder, while also serving a ten-year stint in the nonprofit sector as the founding CEO of Community Foundations of America. Carla graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Michigan and she holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
Contact our Head of Community Investment
Email:
carlad@centerforneighborhoods.org
Our Board of Directors
Every member of our board of directors is a thought leader who has made significant contributions to our communities. Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.
Andre Kimo Stone Guess
President & Chair
President & CEO of Fund for the Arts, a regional arts agency, and the largest funder of the arts in the Greater Louisville regio
Sheri Radler
Treasurer
Founder, CPA, CMA, CEPA, R Accounting Group LLC, Strategic Controller & CFO Services for Growth-Focused SMEs, Top 50 CAS Firm, 2025 Top 100 ProAdvisor, Intuit Partner Council
Valecia Quinn
Secretary & Director
Jewish Family & Career Services (JFCS), Director of Navigate. Previously 33+ years in the news publishing industry with Gannett Co., Inc./USA TODAY Network. Serves on the board for Credit Builders Alliance (CBA) and CBA Fund, a Community Impact Cabinet (CIC) member with Metro United Way and AARP Kentucky Community Volunteer.
Lawanda Page
Director
Senior Global Community Relations Specialist at Brown-Forman
Dr. Terri Davenport
Director
Educator and administrator for over 25 years in Jefferson County Public Schools. Dr. Davenport holds an EdD from the University of Louisville. Proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Nicole Fitzpatrick
Director
Community Relations Manager for Louisville Tourism. She has been marketing in Louisville for over 18 years and works in Communications and Marketing on diversity, equity and inclusion, marketing collateral, restaurant stakeholders and dining scene, curating community content, and the Urban Bourbon Trail.
Jessica Brown
Director
Injury Prevention Manager at UofL Hospital, AICP, MPA. Prior long-time Planning Director at Center for Neighborhoods.
Kennetha Malone
Director
Behavioral Health Therapist, LPCC, Smoketown Family Wellness Center.
Joshua Watkins
Director
Louisville Metro Director of Strategic Initiatives, as well as a member of the KY House of Representatives, representing the 42 District.
Ways to get involved
Every neighborhood’s path is different. Some are just beginning to organize. Others are ready to build, invest, or scale. CFN exists to support all of it without rushing the process or skipping the people.
If you’re ready to engage, learn, plan, or invest in the future of Louisville neighborhoods, we’re ready to walk alongside you.
