John Andrews is the founder and Executive Director of Creative Collective Mass. The Collective is one part business program and one-part economic development strategy initiative focusing on the intersection of the creative workforce and economic development and how that intersection impacts and can benefit communities throughout Essex County.
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John was awarded Person of the Year (Daily Item) and Small Business of the Year (Salem Chamber of Commerce) in 2021 for the support he gave the small business community and local creators through the first year of COVID. He also sits on many boards and committees including the Salem Public Art Commission and the ECCF Creative County Intiaitive and NextGen Philanthropy Initiative and strategically aligns that work with consultancy projects completed in Beverly, Salem, Peabody, Lynn, and Lawrence.
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Through the pandemic, John and the team at the Collective were able to engage with municipalities, MassDevelopment, multiple Main Streets organizations, Groundwork Lawrence, and hundreds of independents contractors to create equitable and inclusive place-keeping initiatives as well as grow the business program to close to 300 members ranging from individual artist to large institutions.
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John grew up and lives on the North Shore with his partner Tia and spends the little spare time he has exploring the Berkshires, creating beautiful imagery, and building complicated Lego sets. With almost 20 years of experience managing restaurants and being an Executive Chef, John now enjoys cooking for his friends and family.