Our Team
Thriving Cities Group aims to embody its understanding that communities thrive when they learn to live well across difference. As such, our team is comprised of researchers, software engineers, urban planners, sociologists, writers, and a wide variety of others who contribute to our common thriving through their own unique skills, background insight, and experience.
Dr. Josh Yates
Founder & Vision Architect
Josh is a cultural sociologist and systems thinker passionate about reimagining the future of cities. As the Founder of Thriving Cities Group and Executive Director of the Belmont Innovation Labs, he integrates over two decades of research and practice to explore what it truly means for communities to thrive. Josh’s work bridges sociology, civic innovation, and theology, offering new frameworks for leaders seeking to foster human flourishing in complex social systems. Previously, he served at the University of Virginia, where he founded the original Thriving Cities Project, and at Duke University, where he directed the Ormond Center and its efforts to support thriving congregations and communities. A frequent speaker and collaborator across academic and nonprofit sectors, Josh continues to shape national conversations around civic renewal, institutional trust, and the common good. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his family.
Tim Day
Interim CEO, Strategic initiatives
Tim is a strategic leader with a passion for community transformation and a strong background in guiding mission-driven teams. He serves as Interim CEO of Thriving Cities Group through his consultancy services, where he provides executive oversight for key initiatives such as the Community Insight Platform and the Community Craft Curriculum. With deep experience in platform development, curriculum design, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership, Tim brings a thoughtful, relational approach to equipping community leaders with the tools they need to help their communities flourish. He works regularly from Nashville, Tennessee, out of the Belmont Innovation Labs offices.
Dr. Jeff Donahoo
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Jeff is a seasoned computer scientist with over 25 years of experience in networking, cybersecurity, and computer systems design. As Chief Technology Officer at Thriving Cities Group, he leads the technological vision and development of platforms that support community transformation initiatives. In addition to his role at Thriving Cities, Jeff serves as Executive Director of the Belmont Data & AI Collaborative and Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics at Belmont University. Prior to joining Belmont, he was a professor at Baylor University, where he co-created the interdisciplinary cybersecurity program and advised the Baylor Competitive Cybersecurity Group. Jeff has also held leadership positions with the International Collegiate Programming Contest and the Central Texas Cyber Range. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and M.S. and B.S. degrees from Baylor University. Jeff resides in Nashville, Tennessee.
Chantal Buard
Chief Product & Design Officer (CPDO)
Chantal is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive specializing in user experience, technology, and social impact. As Co-Founder and CEO of Impact Atlas, she has led the development of a real-time case management and impact measurement platform deployed in over 25 countries. Previously, she co-founded Amplifier Strategies, where she created innovative digital solutions for philanthropists and mission-driven organizations. Chantal also co-created Battery Powered, one of the largest giving circles in America, and co-founded Uplift, a global initiative scaling the Graduation Approach to combat ultra-poverty. With over 20 years of experience designing data-driven solutions for the nonprofit sector, she is dedicated to advancing human-centered technology that drives meaningful change. Originally from Paris, she holds an MBA in Arts and Media Management and a Master's in Change Management. Chantal resides in Greenville, SC.
Kevin Phang
Lead Data Scientist, community insight
Kevin is a data scientist dedicated to leveraging AI and data for social good, with a particular focus on geospatial analysis and community wellbeing. As a former data scientist at WayBase and Digital Brilliance, Kevin worked at the intersection of technology, analytics, and nonprofit impact, helping organizations harness data to drive meaningful change. With over 15 years of experience spanning tech, academia, and finance, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to understanding human flourishing through the lens of both the social sciences and humanities. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
Charlie Henderson
Ai & Technology Advisor
In 2016 Charlie was named "Trending 40 Entrepreneurs Under 40" by DCA Live in Washington D.C. and was selected to Mindshare Class of 2015. Charlie has been granted 7 patents by the US Patent & Trademark Office on graph data. Charlie has consulted to publicly-traded market leaders in finance and retail on data architecture and engineering.
Micah Kessel
Design Specialist
Micah is a strategic designer and former founder of Sherlocked Amsterdam, the most 5 star rated immersive experience worldwide on TripAdvisor.
Micah has advised or designed concepts for Google, Disney, Microsoft, the Diabetes Fund and European Governments. He’s also sung opera with Pavarotti and Domingo, speaks 5 languages and is a 2019 Byron Fellow.
Chris Elisara, Ph.D.
Strategic partnerships
Chris is a champion of urban design and placemaking that makes places better for all, not only in the US, but internationally through leadership roles with organizations like UN-Habitat where he chairs their SDG Cities task force and serves on their World Urban Campaign’s secretariat.
Chris founded the award-winning film studio, First+Main Films, who’s mantra is “a story can change a city,” and the international Better Cities Film Festival hosted annually in Detroit, MI.