Councilmember Nick Bankston
is a dedicated public servant and thought leader on issues facing Columbus
neighborhoods. He currently serves as President & CEO of Gladden Community
House. At City Council, Councilmember Bankston chairs the Small & Minority
Business, Technology and Economic Development committees. A proud graduate of
East High School and The Ohio State University and a lifelong resident of
Columbus, Councilmember Bankston is a champion for the people of Columbus and
determined to make an impact in his community.
He has dedicated his career to public service –
previously serving as the Project Manager of Neighborhood Transformation Strategies
for the City of Columbus. In that role, Councilmember Bankston oversaw the
City’s neighborhood revitalization planning and implementation efforts for
Mayor Ginther’s priority neighborhoods, Linden and the Hilltop. This was a
nearly $1 million project that created long-term, strategic and holistic
community plans for the revitalization and redevelopment of these two
neighborhoods focusing on both people and place, which has resulted in over
$100 million in public and private investment.
Prior to that, the Councilmember served as the
Director of Community Affairs for the Office of the Mayor. In that role he
managed a public campaign that secured $950 million in bond funding for
critical capital improvements for the residents of Columbus.
His commitment to community is also reflective
in his board service. Nick has served as Vice President of the board of
directors of the Neighborhood Design Center, on the board of directors of the
Columbus Urban League as President of the Columbus Urban League Young
Professionals, the Reeb Avenue Center, St. Stephens Community House,
Rickenbacker-Woods Foundation as Vice-Chair, and Greater Columbus Sister Cities
International.
Councilmember Bankston is married to his
beautiful and accomplished wife Habiba K. Bankston; they reside in North East
Columbus with their son Xavier Kamal Bankston in the McCutcheon Crossing
neighborhood.