Knight Foundation

Kyle Kutuchief was named program director in Akron for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in May 2015.  The foundation invests in journalism, the arts and the success of cities where its founders once published newspapers.

In Akron, the birthplace of Knight Newspapers and the foundation, Knight focuses on downtown and inner ring neighborhoods through investments in public space and public life to increase population and advance equity. Akron is also part of Reimagining the Civic Commons, a Knight-supported national initiative that seeks to counteract economic and social fragmentation by revitalizing and connecting public spaces.

Previously, Kutuchief worked in higher education and was a part of two initiatives to strengthen regional collaboration.  He has served on a number of nonprofit boards and acted as president of Torchbearers, a young professionals organization focused on leadership development and community service.  Kutuchief has received Akron’s 30 for the Future Award, Cleveland’s 25 Under 35 Movers and Shakers Award, Torchbearer’s Friend of Young Leaders Award and the Read Family Difference Maker Award.

Kutuchief earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from The Ohio State University and a Master of Public Administration from The University of Akron.