Creative Cypher, the innovative content collective based in Chicago, has announced the appointment of Cindy Beasley as its first female President. This significant leadership change follows the company’s recent achievements, including two Emmy nominations and three Telly Awards, marking a strategic expansion of the brand dedicated to elevating underrepresented voices in film and television.
In a statement, Troy Pryor, the founder of Creative Cypher, expressed his enthusiasm for Beasley’s leadership, stating, “Cindy will be an exceptional leader, and I’m beyond grateful for this entire team. We’ve been building together for a while now, and it’s important that every contributor gets the recognition they deserve.”
Beasley brings over a decade of experience in television and media production, having worked with some of Chicago’s most notable talents, including former FOX Chicago News anchor Robin Robinson and Emmy Award-winning journalist Samantha Chatman. She believes that Creative Cypher is poised to shape the next generation of creatives and entertainment leaders. “I’ve been blessed to be a collaborative partner in something that the city and culture needs,” Beasley said. “With structure and soul, I look forward to leading the way. We will continue to set the bar higher as Chicago’s top entertainment ecosystem.”
Alongside Beasley, Creative Cypher has also appointed Kyle Marshall as Chief Operations Officer and Starr Gadson as Chief Marketing Officer. Both Marshall and Gadson are long-time contributors to the organization and are expected to play crucial roles in shaping the company’s future.
Growth Initiatives and New Collaborations
As Creative Cypher enters this new chapter, its flagship initiative, XL Fest, will continue to expand through a collaboration with TateMen Entertainment. This festival has garnered significant media attention, hosting notable figures such as Robert Townsend, Larenz Tate, and Vivica Fox. The festival aims to strengthen Creative Cypher’s presence in Chicago and showcase diverse talent.
Furthermore, the organization plans to extend its reach within the global festival circuit, aligning with entertainment heavyweights like Lil’ Rel Howery in Chicago, and expanding its influence in international markets such as London with events like XPO.
Pryor remains the Chairman of Creative Cypher and is actively involved in various boards, including SAG-AFTRA Chicago and Definition Theater. He continues to build his executive producer portfolio and is co-hosting a show called “Connect the Starrs” on Rejoice 102.3 FM.
“The goal has always been elevation and avoiding founder syndrome,” Pryor stated. “I launched Creative Cypher because I saw a lack of growth from other organizations, so it’s important that we practice what we preach. This is a natural progression in the ecosystem.”
With Beasley at the helm, Creative Cypher is set to innovate further and solidify its role in reshaping the entertainment landscape while fostering a community that champions diverse voices.
