A new day is dawning in Youngstown, Ohio, as the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) formally launches with the introduction of Presley Gillespie, as Executive Director. The YNDC was founded in February 2009, in partnership with the City of Youngstown and Raymond John Wean Foundation, to catalyze strategic neighborhood reinvestment in neighborhoods throughout the city guided by the Youngstown 2010 Vision. The high capacity, multi-faceted, strategic, citywide neighborhood development corporation will work to transform neighborhoods into meaningful places where people invest time, money, and energy into their homes and neighborhoods; where neighbors have the capacity to manage day to day issues; and where neighbors feel confident about the future of their neighborhood.

Presley Gillespie has joined the YNDC after a highly successful 18 year career in the banking industry with a focus on community development lending. He has completed over $60 million in community development transactions; is actively involved in the community; and resides in Youngstown with his wife and two children. His selection is the culmination of a six month national search for an Executive Director.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to lead this exciting new organization. In this new role, I look forward to using my extensive background in community development and neighborhood revitalization to help YNDC become a catalyst in improving our city and advancing the Youngstown 2010 strategy,” Gillespie said. “We want Youngstown to be looked to as the model for neighborhood development in a postindustrial context,” Gillespie added.

A formal launch event and reception will be held on Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00pm at the Youngstown Club in honor of Gillespie’s introduction as Executive Director. Members of the media are invited to attend.

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Presley Gillespie Named Executive Director;

High Capacity, Multi-faceted, Citywide Neighborhood Development Corporation Launches.