The experienced Wright Dunbar, Inc. management team is dedicated to the revitalization of the Wright-Dunbar Business District.
Idotha Bootsie Neal
President
ineal@wright-dunbar.org
Wright Dunbar, Inc.’s current President is Idotha Bootsie Neal. Ms. Neal has been President of Wright Dunbar, Inc. since 2005. She has been responsible for developing strategic community partnerships to redevelop the historic Wright-Dunbar Business District, as well as establishing the strategic direction for commercial development, marketing, and fundraising for the organization.
Ms. Neal earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a minor in Secondary Education from Howard University, in Washington, DC; and her Masters Degree in Counselor Education in Human Services from the University of Dayton. Ms. Neal has also completed post-graduate coursework towards a Masters Degree in Public Administration at the University of Dayton. She is an adjunct instructor in the College of Business and Industry at Central State University. She is a motivational speaker and the owner of Neal and Associates, a training consulting firm. She has presented at the United Nations and conducted numerous workshops nationally and internationally. She has been a guest lecturer/speaker in South Africa, Brazil, Bosnia, Germany, Japan, and Zambia.
In 1991, Ms. Neal was elected the first African American female to serve on the Dayton City Commission. For more than a decade she worked to enhance Dayton’s viability and visibility by creating and retaining jobs, and developing new amenities. During her tenure major redevelopment projects were accomplished; Fifth Third Baseball Stadium, Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton International Airport expansion; Riverscape Development, Zion Cultural Arts Center and demolition of several Brownfield Sites. Under her leadership, several multimillion dollar new and rehab housing initiatives helped to rebuild Dayton’s neighborhoods such as Wright-Dunbar, South Park, Hooks Estate and Grand Place.
Ms. Neal is very active in the community and has served on numerous boards. She is the recipient of many prestigious awards for her community service.
Paula Cosby
Director of Development
Paula.Cosby@wright-dunbar.org
Paula Cosby is Director of Development for Wright Dunbar, Inc. She has extensive project management experience with for-profit and non-profit organizations. Ms. Cosby joined Wright Dunbar, Inc. in 1999 working in community and organizational development and special event production. Since 2007, she has successfully led the organization’s fund development strategies, raising significant funds from the federal, state and local governments as well as private sources. Ms. Cosby earned her BA degree from the University of Dayton, is completing a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Wright State University, and has earned additional professional certifications in community development. Ms. Cosby is actively involved in the community through her profession and as a volunteer with numerous organizations.
John P. Cummiskey, Esq.
Director of Real Estate & Property Management
John.Cummiskey@wright-dunbar.org
Wright Dunbar, Inc.’s current Director of Real Estate and Property Management is John Cummiskey. Mr. Cummiskey is a highly successful professional with over 22 years experience in the private and public sector real estate, legal, and information technology fields. As a licensed attorney, Mr. Cummiskey has previously worked for local law firm Green and Green, Lawyers, leading information management provider LexisNexis, and Quantrum, LLC. Mr. Cummiskey earned his degrees from Wright State University (BA) and the University of Dayton (JD).
Carol Sampson
Director of Community Development
Carol.Sampson@wright-dunbar.org
Wright Dunbar, Inc.’s current Director of Community Development is Carol Sampson. Ms. Sampson brings 38 years of experience to the community development process through through the fields of urban and cultural planning. Ms. Sampson holds academic credentials in Sociology and Urban Planning as well as certifications in strategic planning and community building (NLC), Museum Management & Leadership (IMLS/BCRI) as well as consultancies with the US Bureau of Census, and Partners For Livable Communities, Washington, DC.
Jean Thobe
Office Manager
Jean.Thobe@wright-dunbar.org