The Board of Smart Growth America (SGA) is pleased to announce the selection of Calvin Gladney to succeed Geoff Anderson as the third President and CEO in the organization’s history.
Mr. Gladney brings to SGA a wealth of practical, hands-on experience in helping residents and leaders of towns and cities across the country sustainably revitalize neighborhoods while ensuring that historically underserved communities aren’t left behind along the way. Immediately prior to joining SGA, he spent more than 10 years at the helm of Mosaic Urban Partners, a firm he founded that delivered redevelopment strategies, addressed persistent blight, and catalyzed inclusive development in dozens of cities of all sizes around the country. During that time he also served as a Senior Visiting Fellow for Equity at the Urban Land Institute and an adjunct professor in the Real Estate Program at Georgetown University.
“On behalf of the Board and the staff, we are enthusiastic to give Calvin this opportunity to carry Smart Growth America into the future,” said SGA Board Chair Scot Spencer. “When it comes to thinking about growth and development, he is adept in helping communities of all sizes figure out the answers to questions like, ‘how can we grow in ways that preserve our resources, create great places in which everyone can live, and extend economic opportunity to everyone?’ As we got to know him, we were struck by the way that he honed in so quickly on equity and opportunity as the most pressing issues for both the work of Smart Growth America and the smart growth movement overall. He represents a tremendous alignment of leadership and opportunity in this particular moment and we are delighted to bring him aboard.”
“SGA’s primary mission 10 years ago was to help define what smart growth is and what it looks like, and how it could help address many of our country’s daunting challenges,” Gladney said. “But times have truly changed, and with so much momentum around the country now for smart growth—for investing in downtowns, building new homes, offices, and retail in walkable and transit-connected neighborhoods, and making smarter transportation and infrastructure investments—the biggest challenge today is ensuring that this rising tide of smarter growth truly creates opportunity for everyone. I’m excited for the opportunity to lead SGA, to work with SGA’s deeply experienced and talented staff, and collaborate with our public, private, and philanthropic partners to pursue effective, equitable, and innovative solutions together.”
With a deep background in the private sector, Mr. Gladney is well-suited to lead in this moment. He has served alongside SGA staff on numerous technical assistance workshops for local communities, bringing a keen knowledge of how to bring private sector investment into places in a smart and equitable way. His experience and practical work with private sector actors who build and redevelop neighborhoods gives him a unique vantage point to help change policy at the national, state, and local levels, and bring more sustainable, inclusive smart growth to communities across the country.
“I have had the opportunity to work with Calvin numerous times over the years and am thrilled that he is becoming SGA’s new President and CEO,” said Geoff Anderson. “Calvin’s technical know-how, his practical experience with communities, local government, and private sector developers, and his vision for the future of the organization and smart growth are perfectly suited to take SGA to the next level.”
Calvin Gladney will begin his duties in mid-April.
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About Smart Growth America: Smart Growth America is the only national organization dedicated to researching, advocating for and leading coalitions to bring better development strategies to more communities nationwide. From providing more sidewalks to ensuring more homes are built near public transportation or that productive farms remain a part of our communities, smart growth helps make sure people across the nation can live in great neighborhoods. For more information visit www.smartgrowthamerica.org.