Meet ADC’s newest board members — Avondale Development Corporation

Avondale Development Corporation (ADC) is proud to announce the addition of three distinguished professionals to its board of directors. Brooke Rapp, Vanessa Smedley, and Rasheda Cromwell bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise that will further enrich the organization's mission of fostering community development and empowerment in Avondale.

Brooke Rapp joins the board as the Director of Community Development & External Relations at Uptown Consortium, where she has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives to enhance the vibrancy and sustainability of the Uptown area. With a background in community engagement and strategic partnerships, Rapp brings invaluable insights to ADC. Her three-year renewable term commenced in January 2024, marking the beginning of a promising collaboration.

Vanessa Smedley, a retired Deputy Director of Special Projects Continuous Improvement at the City of Cincinnati, brings decades of experience in urban planning, project management, and community revitalization to the ADC board. Throughout her career, Smedley has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for residents through innovative urban development strategies. Her appointment, also commencing in January 2024, reflects ADC's commitment to harnessing diverse perspectives in its governance.

Rasheda Cromwell, Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Rasheda Cromwell, Chief Impact Officer at Greater Cincinnati Foundation, rounds out the trio of new board members. With a focus on driving positive social change and advancing equity initiatives, Cromwell brings a strategic vision and a passion for community-driven solutions to her role at ADC. Her extensive experience in philanthropy and community development will be instrumental in guiding ADC's efforts to create lasting impact in Avondale. Cromwell's tenure on the board commenced in January 2024, marking the beginning of a collaborative journey towards meaningful change.

The addition of Brooke Rapp, Vanessa Smedley, and Rasheda Cromwell to the ADC board reflects the organization's commitment to fostering diverse leadership and leveraging collective expertise to address the evolving needs of the Avondale community. Their collective knowledge, passion, and dedication will undoubtedly strengthen ADC's capacity to drive positive change and empower residents to thrive.

As ADC looks ahead to the future, these new board members will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's strategic direction and ensuring that Avondale remains a vibrant and inclusive community for generations to come. We extend our warmest welcome to Brooke, Vanessa, and Rasheda and look forward to their invaluable contributions to ADC's mission.