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
Blip Roasters, Lifted Spirits leaders among latest ScaleUP! KC cohort, priming their businesses to scale
Eighteen Kansas City companies — ranging from coffee, software, and cycling, to construction, human resources, hair care, fitness, and distilling — are slated to join the latest ScaleUP! KC cohort, the program announced Wednesday. “ScaleUP! Kansas City has a long history and proven track record of helping Kansas City business owners get the confidence, one-on-one coaching…
KC’s top emerging business just exited; How a deal forged in the stands at Arrowhead rewrites the code on Black women in tech
No stereotypes here, Tammy Buckner said, announcing a merger between Techquity Digital and a rising Kansas City-born startup that’s expected to elevate Black tech in the region — and the women in its ranks. “[There’s an idea that] ‘Black women can’t work together.’ … I think this proves that we can,” Buckner, founder and CEO of…
Their exclusive Chiefs hoodies sold out in less than three hours; How you can snag a tee before it’s too late
Chiefs playoffs tickets might be the hottest-selling item in town, but there’s a close second. Lines started forming at 4 p.m. Friday outside MADE MOBB’s headquarters in the Crossroads as fans eagerly awaited the release of the premier KC streetwear brand’s exclusive post-season collaboration with the Kansas City Chiefs. And the crowds didn’t let up…
Taste 200 restaurants in 10 days? Why your stomach (and hungry neighbors) will thank you
Curious Kansas City diners can step away from their kitchens for the next 10 days, teased Carlos Mortera, as chefs at 200 restaurants across the city plate their latest trending tastes during the metro’s most-anticipated culinary showcase. “It’s a big deal in Kansas City. Many of the restaurants feature items they don’t usually have on the…

