Louisville, Ky., November 14, 2024 – Thrive By 5 Louisville (TB5L), a newly established nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to quality childcare and early learning opportunities for Louisville’s three- and four-year-olds, today announced the appointment of its inaugural Board of Directors. Composed of leaders with extensive experience in education, business, nonprofits, and community engagement, this board will be at the forefront of advocating for the transformative impact of early childhood education and the essential workforce who provide it.
Ashley Novak Butler
Executive Director of Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation
Thrive by 5 Louisville Board of Directors Chairperson
David Nicklies
President & CEO of Nicklies Development
Thrive by 5 Louisville Board of Directors Treasurer
Tony Peyton
Executive VP of Policy & Chief of Staff of National Center for Families Learning
Thrive by 5 Louisville Board of Directors Vice Chair
Lisa DeJaco Crutcher
CEO of Catholic Charities of Louisville
Thrive by 5 Board of Directors Secretary
Mariana Barzun
Executive Director of Mayor Greenberg’s Office of Philanthropy
Kristen Byrd
Regional President of PNC Bank, Kentucky
David Calzi
Former CEO/Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Louisville
Douglas Craddock
Vice President of Community Engagement, University of Louisville
Lisa Dischinger
Founder & Co-owner of LDG Development
Michael Gritton
Executive Director of KentuckianaWorks
Allie Holtz
Director of Channel Marketing for GE Appliances
Adria Johnson
President & CEO of Metro United Way
Izmene Peredo Martinez
Co-founder & Co-owner of Con Huevos
Angie McDonald
Vice President, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for PPL Corporation
Lopa Mehrotra
Social Entrepreneur
Diane Scardino
Chief Administrative Officer of Norton Children’s Hospital & Norton Children’s Medical Center
Rose Smith
Executive Director of The Ace Project
TB5L operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, born out of Mayor Craig Greenberg’s Early Learning Action Group (MELAG). The 23-member group, consisting of early childhood experts and community leaders, collaborated with the Mayor’s Office of Philanthropy in 2023 to draft a plan addressing the critical need for quality childcare in Louisville. MELAG’s efforts culminated in the formation of TB5L, designed to function independently of Louisville Metro Government to increase access to early learning opportunities. Today, many MELAG members continue to serve on TB5L’s Advisory Council, and are joined by additional industry and community leaders, providing strategic guidance to the Board of Directors.
“One of my priorities as mayor is to expand quality early learning opportunities for all children in Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “The creation of Thrive by Five, the implementation of its governing board and a national search for an executive director are all critical steps in making these opportunities available for children and families across our community. I would like to thank board members for their service in ensuring these opportunities become reality.”
TB5L has already garnered significant support from both state and local governments, including a $5 million allocation in the city’s 2024-2025 budget. These funds will support the organization’s initial operations and hiring of staff, and prioritizing workforce development and improving early learning facilities as part of its first phase of work.
The TB5L Board will guide the organization’s mission, ensuring alignment with its core goals. Their responsibilities will include strategic planning, fundraising, and developing initiatives that strengthen Louisville’s childcare ecosystem. TB5L aims to invest in and elevate existing early learning providers, including private and nonprofit preschools, childcare centers, and family childcare homes. Utilizing a blend of public and philanthropic funding, TB5L will focus on recruiting and retaining early childhood educators, enhancing facilities and programs, and providing financial assistance to make childcare more affordable for families.
“I am honored to recognize the incredible individuals who make up our inaugural Board of Directors, all of whom share a deep commitment to increasing access to quality childcare in Louisville,” said Ashley Novak Butler, TB5L Board of Directors Chairperson and Executive Director of Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation. “It is a privilege to work alongside such a talented and passionate team of community leaders and advocates who share our vision of making a lasting impact. Together with our Advisory Council, we will meet this critical need, ensuring our early learners can thrive, young families stay connected to the workforce, and childcare providers receive the support and resources they need to succeed. I am proud to be part of this mission and excited about the difference we will make together.”
Research shows that increasing access to high-quality childcare has far-reaching benefits—not only boosting academic success for children but also enhancing workforce participation and driving economic growth in the community.
To learn more about TB5L, please visit www.thriveby5louisville.com.
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About Thrive by 5 Louisville:
Thrive By 5 Louisville (TB5L) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to quality childcare for three- and four-year-olds in Louisville, KY. Established in 2024 as an independent 501(c)(3), TB5L supports existing early learning providers by leveraging public and philanthropic funding to recruit and retain early educators, improve childcare facilities, and provide financial assistance to families. TB5L emerged from the Mayor’s Early Learning Action Group (MELAG), which was formed by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg in 2023 to address the critical need for expanded early childhood education in the community.
To learn more about TB5L, please visit www.thriveby5louisville.com.