Story Bellows is one of the nation’s leading civic innovators, turning urban challenges into people-first solutions with positive outcomes for all. As a Cityfi partner, she focuses on organizational change management, civic engagement, and public-private coalition building. Previously, Story served as Chief Innovation and Performance Officer for Brooklyn Public Library, where she implemented a new strategy across 60+ branches, positioning the library for excellence in a rapidly changing urban environment. She also launched and directed the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics in Philadelphia, creating pathways for entrepreneurs to collaborate with the city. Story has led national initiatives, including as Director of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design at the National Endowment for the Arts, and has spearheaded research at a major Chicago architecture firm on issues like the future of work, education, and healthcare.

Based in New York, Story collaborates with cities and companies across the U.S. and globally. She is an internationally recognized expert on innovation in large public institutions, with degrees from Colgate University and the London School of Economics. Passionate about both urban and rural living, she and her family have been exploring rural life since the pandemic.