Startup community organizers named to Chamber’s new Centurions class
February 15, 2019 | Startland News Staff
A trio of faces familiar within the Kansas City startup community have joined the city’s oldest and premier leadership development program.
The 35-member list of incoming Centurions — which includes John Coler, product owner at RFP360 and Startup Weekend organizer; Davin Gordon, business development officer at AltCap; and Courtney Windholz, COO at PROOF and former 1 Million Cups Kansas City organizer — was announced this week by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
Coler and Gordon have been featured in Startland’s popular KCultivator Q&A series, while Windholz was profiled as a serial entrepreneur..
“Centurions’ motto of ‘learn, serve, lead’ means this next generation of leaders is not only continuing to lead Kansas City forward, but they’re also committed to lifting up our community right now,” said Joe Reardon, KC Chamber president and CEO.
The newest Centurions were selected based on a rigorous application and interview process, according to the organization, noting Coler, Gordon, and Windholz are set to begin a two-year, self-directed program that prepares emerging leaders across Greater Kansas City.
For 43 years, Centurions alums have included CEOs, federal judges, heads of nonprofit organizations, lawmakers, and many more of the region’s most impactful leaders.
Check out the full list of new Centurions below.
Featured Business

2019 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Vetrepreneur event Purple Connection taking flight in KC
An event connecting veteran entrepreneurs is making waves in Kansas City. Led by the Veteran Leadership Network and other local organizations, the next the Purple Connection will be held April 12 at the GRID Collaborative Workspaces. Community organizer Jesse Beaudin said this is the third iteration of the event series, and he was surprised by…
Kauffman honoree examines impact of accelerators on an ecosystem
Over the years, Kansas City has found itself home to several business accelerator programs. From BetaBlox to the Sprint Accelerator, these programs have increased the vibrancy of the area entrepreneurial community in many ways. But recently Kansas Citians had the chance to learn first hand just how much their local network of accelerators have helped…
Events Preview: Innovation Exchange, 1 Billion Bits
There are a plethora of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter, or curious community member — we recommend these upcoming events for you. Are you hosting an event relevant to Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community? Add it to the FWD/KC calendar for increased exposure. Once your…
Lean Lab leaders dissect recent politics spurring U.S. education engagement
Editor’s note: In partnership with the Wide Ruled podcast hosted by Brainroot Light and Sound, Startland News hopes to offer its audience more avenues to learn about innovators in Kansas City. Opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Wide Ruled is a podcast on equality in education. Each episode showcases a struggle or…

