Bob Vitale for Columbus CEO

Densil Porteous laughs when he recalls his plans for 2020 back when the year began. Before COVID-19, the ensuing economic recession and coast-to-coast demonstrations against police violence and systemic racism, he had just left his job at the Wexner Center for the Arts. He thought he’d focus on his nonprofit consulting business and take it easier for a while.

Now, he’s busier than ever.

On June 1, the 39-year-old Kenyon College graduate was named CEO of Pride Fund 1, a Columbus-based venture capital effort that backs businesses headed by LGBTQ entrepreneurs. On June 16, he was hired as interim executive director of Stonewall Columbus, the city’s LGBTQ community center. And on July 1, he was appointed by Mayor Andrew J. Ginther to serve on a working group that will develop plans for a civilian review board to oversee the Columbus Division of Police.

Porteous, a native of Jamaica who grew up in New York and Atlanta before making Ohio his home, spoke with Columbus CEO about the issues he’ll face as he tackles the new roles.

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