In 2026, Model Cities CEO, Kizzy Downie celebrates 20 years at our organization! Kizzy began her journey here in 2006 as Program Coordinator for our Youth Enrichment Services, supporting young people and their families with positive and enriching experiences, skill development, family coaching and more. She then brought her skills and expertise to housing services and operations management, eventually becoming Director of Community Services before being named CEO in 2018.
During her time in Community Services, Kizzy was responsible for a portfolio which included our HomeStretch Workshops, Pre-purchase counseling, children’s mental health services, and supportive housing. She also served as project manager for completion of our Reading Room, which honors the legacy and labor organizing of the Pullman Porters who helped shaped the story of Saint Paul.
Anyone who has worked with Kizzy offers glowing recognition of her leadership. Former board chair Brenda Bailey described Kizzy as “smart, brave, and unpretentious,” recalling how her appointment as CEO was unanimously recommended and approved. Gillian Onyango, our Property Asset Manager had this to say:
Kizzy is a forward-thinking leader. It’s not about the now, but how that decision affects the agency in the long term. She is strategic in her thoughts and actions. Her warmth and approachability, professionalism, openness, and inclusiveness created a welcoming environment for me here at Model Cities. She’s a shining example to many girls, ladies, and the community.
As CEO, Kizzy leads our departments in the Model Cities way, with programming that innovates sustainably to respond to the whole person. Under Kizzy’s leadership our Shelter and Housing Services has expanded to include Safe Space Shelter which opened in 2019 in response to rising community needs along with sustaining our long-standing supportive housing programming. The development of strong program partnerships like with the Sanneh Foundation, community development partnerships like Sherburne Collective, as well as funding partnerships like Allianz Life’s Allianz for Tomorrow and Greater Twin Cities United Way’s Community Investment program, show a continuous record of accomplishment shared by all of us here.
Dean Carlson, Community Development Director, says, “Kizzy is a great leader. Her door is always open and [she’s] willing to discuss any issue big or small. She’s also super smart with a wealth of experience here bringing that history to bear on issues we face today. Kizzy is communicative, understanding, fun, demanding, and inquisitive – all traits found in a great leader. Model Cities is lucky to have her and I hope she sticks around for another 20 years.”
Looking ahead to Model Cities’ future, Kizzy recently stewarded our team through another strategic planning period for our upcoming 2027–2029 plan which will be shared later this year. Kizzy’s contributions–from early career at Girls Incorporated of Central Alabama, to board service with Mardag Foundation, Land Bank Twin Cities, Family Housing Fund, Project Pride for Living, and the many other ways she shows up for our neighbors–is deeply inspiring.
The team is proud to celebrate with Kizzy as we recognize her commitment to creating thriving communities!
