CEZ Elects New Board Chair

The Board of Directors for the Creative Enterprise Zone is pleased to announce the election of Renee Spillum as Board Chair, beginning January 1, 2021. Renee succeeds current Chair and CEZ Founder, Catherine Reid Day, who will remain with the organization as Chair Emerita.

As Senior Project Manager for the 50-year-old nonprofit Seward Redesign in Minneapolis and a resident of the Hamline-Midway neighborhood, Renee is well-versed in neighborhood-based community development. She has spent the last nine years working with residents and businesses on commercial and residential developments, often serving as project manager, construction manager, leasing agent, broker and designer. Renee also oversees development grants and a federally funded revolving loan fund.

Renee joined the CEZ board in 2018 and has been instrumental in developing CEZ’s current Real Estate Services program. Her energy, expertise and leadership will be invaluable as the organization explores community-driven real estate development projects and investment opportunities.

"After three years of board service, I have come to know the Creative Enterprise Zone as a community and organization with extraordinary potential. I'm honored to take the helm following its inspiring founder, Catherine Reid Day, and to usher CEZ into its next era. I envision a future where the creative entrepreneurs that make the Zone special are increasingly stable, interconnected, and thriving, advancing racial and environmental justice as we rise together."

From Catherine Reid Day, CEZ Chair and Founder

We formed the Creative Enterprise Zone during the disruptions of 2009—buildings that housed creative work and workers went into foreclosure, construction of the light rail along University Avenue, and the great recession. The organization has grown into our role as a connector and instigator, a community builder with a commitment to assisting more people and organizations to #MakeItHere. 

I’m very excited to welcome new leadership to the work. Renee Spillum will lead with focus, energy and vision for our community. Angela Casselton has demonstrated her keen ability to make things happen from wrangling equipment donations for the murals to securing sponsorships and inviting people to participate, explore and enjoy our neighborhood. 

I remain committed to the CEZ and our community and will continue to invoke dreams that turn into a more resilient, colorful, thriving future.

—Catherine