Nathaniel L. Wallace will lead Knight Foundation investments in Detroit

Nathaniel L. Wallace, a Detroit native, has joined the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as its new Detroit director. Wallace is a business leader and actively engaged in several of Detroit’s leading arts organizations.

Wallace will work with local leaders and other community members to discover and invest in opportunities that support a more informed and engaged Detroit. 

“Nate is a serious private sector leader with deep personal and professional ties to Detroit,” said Sam Gill, vice president of communities and impact for Knight Foundation. “His knowledge, passion and practical know-how make him the perfect choice to lead Knight’s program in Detroit.”

Wallace most recently served as vice president of operations and co-owner of his international family firm, Communications Professionals Inc. (CPI), which specializes in federal IT and professional IT services. In that role, he created both the IT services and staffing arms for the $20 million firm; developed infrastructure to pursue new markets; and led business and partnership development, talent acquisition, and growth strategy. 

Prior to CPI, Wallace was founder and chief operating officer of Prodigy Investments, a boutique real estate firm that connected real estate investors and developers and managed a $10 million portfolio. He is president of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Founders Junior Council board, and is also on the board of Artworks by Matrix Human Services. 

Wallace is also an avid supporter of Detroit’s arts and cultural scene and especially of artists of color. He has served on the boards of Emerging Art Leaders, Detroit Music Hall of Performing Art and Inside Out Literary Arts Project, among volunteer service with other organizations. In addition, he has hosted exhibitions, artist talks, art salons, poetry readings, rap cyphers and a myriad of art-focused programming within his home.

“As a Detroit native, I am thrilled to join Knight Foundation in helping to write a new chapter for my hometown,” said Wallace. “Our city is rapidly changing, and I want to ensure our residents have an opportunity to participate in and benefit from this evolution. I’m eager to collaborate with our city’s many leaders, creators and doers to build an inclusive, dynamic and connected Detroit.”

Since 2008, Knight has committed more than $100 million to Detroit. Recent investments have centered on promoting civic engagement, public spaces, and access to quality local information. Additionally, last year, Knight made a major $20 million investment in the city through its arts program.

Read Nathaniel’s bio here

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org.