Photography courtesy of Grand Center Inc.
Vince Schoemehl says “excited” is the best word to describe his new position as the Nine Network's "executive in residence."
Schoemehl is already quite familiar with the Nine Network, located in Grand Center, after serving as president and CEO of Grand Center Inc. for 14 years, beginning in 2001. He's volunteering his services and looks forward to “building stronger connectivity” between area nonprofits, neighborhoods, and communities.
“The Nine Network is doing great work here," he says. "I want to help organize its efforts to maximize its impact in the community."
Schoemehl will serve as a fellow for the University of Missouri–St. Louis' School of Public Policy, along with his responsibilities at the Nine Network, which include introducing economic-development opportunities, connecting community leaders with Nine Network initiatives, and hosting discussions on community issues.
“We are so fortunate that Vince has agreed to work with us onsite to build strong community partnerships and work with us on issues important to our region,” says Nine Network president and CEO Jack Galmiche. “Vince’s strong commitment to the vitality of St. Louis will be an extremely valuable asset to our work.”
Schoemehl served as the city’s 42nd mayor, serving three terms between 1981 and 1993. During his last year in City Hall, in 1992, Schoemehl sought the Democratic nomination for governor but lost to eventual Gov. Mel Carnahan.
During Schoemehl's time with Grand Center Inc., several major projects were completed, including redeveloping the Woolworth building into the Kranzberg Arts Center, construction of the UMSL at Grand Center building (home of St. Louis Public Radio), and renovating the Beaux Arts Building into Grand Center Arts Academy.
But Schoemehl doesn't plan to rest on his laurels anytime soon: “I gotta keep doing stuff, or I’ll get stale.”
