Spud Marshall, Community Building

Spud Marshall is a social entrepreneur, creative community builder, and lover of fog machines. He is the founder of My Creative Community, which provides tools and tailored guidance to help groups design amazing communities. He has worked alongside organizations ranging from the Sullivan Foundation and Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, to the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and Teach for America.

In 2021, he published ‘Designing Creative Communities’ and the ‘Creative Communities Field Guide’ which helps readers meaningfully contribute to the places where they live, work, learn and play. The books coach emerging leaders and community members alike through a simple process for how to transform their town into a creative place to call home.

He has founded numerous community ventures, including 3 Dots Downtown, a community arts and innovation event center; the co.space, a 20-person intentional community for young changemakers; and New Leaf Initiative, a dedicated co-working and collaboration center.

He has been honored as a Knight Foundation Emerging Cities Champion, listed as one of the top millennial civic leaders in the country, and been featured as one of the Foremost Under 40 Business Leaders in central Pennsylvania. Spud has a Masters in Strategic Sustainability Leadership and a pretty spectacular failure resume (reach out if you’re interested). He currently resides in State College, Pennsylvania with his wife, loyal dog, and curious cat. To view his most recent projects and to explore ways to partner with Spud, visit www.mycreative.community or email him at spud@mycreative.community.

Ellen Matis