NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNIVERSITY CITY PARTNERS ANNOUNCEMENT

Keith Stanley Hired as New President & CEO

CHARLOTTE, NC, November 7, 2022– University City Partners (UCP) has announced that Keith Stanley will become its new President and CEO beginning January 2023.  Currently the Executive Director of Near West Side Partners, Inc. in Milwaukee, where he’s charged with spearheading revitalization, community cohesion, and neighborhood sustainability efforts, Mr. Stanley is also the Executive Director of the Avenues West Association and Near West Side Business Improvement District (BID) #10.

Mr. Stanley, an alumnus of Alabama State University, will add his vitality and leadership to an organization leading cultural and economic growth in University City. 

UCP Chairman Stuart Parks, on behalf of the Board, states, “We are grateful for Keith Stanley’s outstanding skill sets being added to our community at a critical time in UCP’s history.”

University City is a diverse ecosystem that, as the second largest employment center in the city, is a significant driver to Charlotte’s economy. UCP released a plan in 2021 to help inform the next 20 years of development. Efforts are focused on urban and transit-oriented development, a greenbelt for mobility and recreation, the growth of character and culture and the infusion of 21st century mobility. Stanley will oversee these efforts and comes to the organization with strong background in strategic planning, financial management, and community outreach. Additionally, he brings extensive expertise in social entrepreneurship, hybrid ventures, long-term strategic planning, and the adoption of innovation. He drives equity, inclusion, and diversity through responsive outreach, public service, and the expansion of pathways for community access.

Stanley’s numerous accolades include Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 winner, BizTimes Nonprofit Executive of the Year, the Young Alumni Award from the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation, the Young American Leaders program of Harvard University, and the Diversity in Business Award from the Milwaukee Business Journal and most recently the 2022 Frank Kirkpatrick Award by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

“It is an honor to lead University City Partners into its next phase of growth, strategic development and partnership for this dynamic and growing part of Charlotte,” Keith expressed. 

During Mr. Stanley’s tenure at Near West Side Partners, Inc., he launched the Promoting Assets Reducing Crime (PARC) Initiative, a 3-year, $5+ million, anchor-funded initiative designed to support the NWSP mission to transform the perception of the neighborhood and address neighborhood challenges. He established the first Black historic business tour with two partnering business districts, highlighting business and historic assets of Black Milwaukee, and led efforts to provide sustainable solutions and remediate the impact of problematic parcels across the neighborhood.

The current interim Director, Tobe Holmes, will remain a critical part of the UCP team as the Senior Director of Land Use and Economic Development. His talents, expertise, and experience are vitally important to continue the mission of the organization. Mr. Holmes has been involved in all aspects of the organization providing community leadership in planning and economic development. He has been integral in guiding area growth following the opening of the light rail, and has advocated for vital community assets that support the growing center. Holmes joined University City Partners in 2015 after serving in a similar role for Charlotte’s South End neighborhood.

Please join us in welcoming Keith Stanley to the University City Partners team.

For questions, please reach out to Stuart Parks at stuart@parks-companies.com.