NNIP Welcomes Two New Executive Committee Members in 2023
One of the unique characteristics of the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP) is that the network was founded by the partner organizations and it continues to be led by an Executive Committee of elected partner members who steer the direction of the network. NNIP is pleased to announce two stellar additions to the Executive Committee—Victor Amaya, Executive Director of Data You Can Use in Milwaukee, and Altonio Smith, Director of Data Capacity Development at Innovate Memphis (full biographies below). The Executive Committee is the central mechanism guiding NNIP. Along with leadership from the Urban Institute, the six members plan partnership strategy, monitor performance under the plan, and advise on ongoing activities and policies of the partnership. The four continuing members are: Geoff Smith (Chicago), Mariko Toyoji (Seattle), Lamar Gardere (New Orleans), and Amy Carroll-Scott (Philadelphia).
We also want to express our appreciation for the members who served through 2022 - Caroline Bhalla (Los Angeles) and John Killeen (Durham).
More information on NNIP's governance is available on the NNIP website.
Victor Amaya, PHD leads DYCU’s strategy and operations with a goal of helping the organization drive impact to improve conditions in the community. He is a veteran educator, instructional coach, and school leader, with a focus on success measures and impact. Before joining Data You Can Use, he led the Impact Department and served as the Interim Executive Director at City Year Milwaukee, the local affiliate of a national education non-profit. Dr. Amaya was born in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and immigrated to Milwaukee when he was twelve. He is a MPS graduate of Riverside University High School and earned his BA in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He earned a MS in Administrative Leadership, a Director of Curriculum and Instruction license, and a District Superintendent’s license and a Doctorate in Leadership in the Advancement of Learning from Cardinal Stritch University. Victor is a dynamic leader whose mission is to create opportunities, invest in people, and break down barriers to just policies and practices, especially for those most impacted by inequities. He is a proud resident of the South Side of Milwaukee where he lives with his 12-year-old son (who is also named Victor). In his free time, he enjoys reading, exercising, traveling, and enjoying all that Milwaukee has to offer.
Altonio Smith, MURP, MBA is an experienced and dedicated Urban Planning Professional; who works with municipalities, corporations, and individuals to increase the health, safety, and welfare of those involved. He is dedicated to encouraging continued and increase quality throughout communities, and serving as liaison between community groups, government agencies, and elected officials. Altonio joined the Innovate Memphis team in 2020 to serve as the Community Data Lead and is growing the local data intermediary as the Director of Data Capacity Development. Altonio holds Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees in Urban and Regional Planning, and Business Administration from Alabama A&M University; and his career focus is oriented towards solving social and technical related planning/economic issues with public and private groups.