Staff

Gretchen Nicholls, Executive Director, is responsible for implementing the annual work plan, including programming, financial management and evaluation. Ms. Nicholls, a long-time leader in neighborhood and community development, has served on Minneapolis’ NRP Policy Board and on the boards of directors of the Central Community Housing Trust, Seward Redesign, Seward Neighborhood Group, Lyndale Neighborhood Association and Citizens for a Loring Park Community. She is working toward an M.A. in Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute.

Becky Clawson, Administrative Director, is responsible for operational oversight of the organization, including communications, financial reporting, and special projects.  Ms. Clawson has prior administrative experience with Artspace Projects, the University of Minnesota's Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, and a for-profit construction management firm.

The Center undertakes many of its initiatives with the assistance of consultants. The organization is committed to contracting with consultants and consulting organizations with a proven track record and high level of expertise in their field. Past and current consultants to the Center include Steven E. Mayer, Ph.D. of Effective Communities, LLC , the Center for Policy, Planning and Performance and the Design Center for American Urban Landscape.