Meet Sarah Gallop of Kendall Square Association in Kendall Square

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Gallop.

Sarah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In the fall of 2008, several of us who had been following the evolution of Kendall Square realized there was something so special about the place that we ought to think about its future in a more deliberate way. Situated right next to MIT (where I work in government and community relations) and surrounded by life science and information technology companies as well as many different research institutes, Kendall Square was already an epicenter for innovation. But, while the work taking place inside the buildings was pioneering and cutting edge (Kendall has been designated “the most innovative square mile on the planet”), there wasn’t a lot of vibrant or compelling activity going on at the street level.

So, we invited leaders from the Kendall community to come together for a breakfast discussion about the Square. More than 100 people offered ideas about how to improve, promote, and protect Kendall Square. That input resulted in the establishment of the Kendall Square Association (KSA) which had its first annual meeting in March 2009. We started out as an all-volunteer organization — building partnerships, hosting events, advocating for public policy issues, and telling Kendall’s story of transformation from an industrial center to a global innovation hub.

Today, the KSA is in its 9th year and is an active and professional civic association with a hard-working staff of five. I’m a founding board member and the current volunteer president of the association. Through the KSA’s work, and the efforts of many others, Kendall Square is now home to hundreds of companies in a wide variety of industries, dozens of restaurants, farmers’ markets, art exhibits, and community programs — and it has a strong identity and a vibrant “sense of place.” About 50,000 people work in Kendall Square each day, commuting in on the MBTA’s red line, and by foot, bicycle, or kayak. It’s a happening and humming place and has become a real hot spot for Cambridge and the region.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course there are challenges! Any organization that is vital and relevant must constantly evaluate its work and objectives to effectively carry out its mission. In our case, we’re responsible for advancing the Kendall Square innovation ecosystem. An innovation ecosystem is the “synergistic relationship between people, firms, and place that facilitates idea generation and advances commercialization” (Brookings Institution). The world around us is changing rapidly, and Kendall often feels that it’s at the forefront of that change. There are some major development projects planned for the Square that will bring new lab and commercial activity, housing, retail, and public open space. Kendall has become a sought-after destination for companies, an energetic workforce, visitors from all over the world, and our nearby neighbors who just have to walk down the street.

In order for the KSA to meet the evolving needs of its 165 member organizations and to ensure that Kendall Square is maintaining its first-class reputation as an innovation hub, we have to be nimble and adaptable. Over the years, we’ve updated our logo, mission, strategic plan, priorities, committees, and the nature of our events so we can accurately reflect the vitality of the broader Kendall community. All that takes work, but our creative staff and dedicated board of directors are committed to ensuring that the association is always on top of its game. The only thing we haven’t changed is our tagline — The Future Lives Here — because… it does!

Please tell us about Kendall Square Association.
In the KSA’s early years, we had to focus on establishing the organization, getting incorporated as a 501(c) 6, setting up a budget, recruiting key board members, and defining our work. Our first two presidents — Tim Rowe and Alan Fein, both from CIC (fka Cambridge Innovation Center) — did a tremendous job setting up our organizational structure and operational systems. They were both visionary in their work, but knew that we had to create a solid foundation to enable the growth of a strong and influential association. Once that framework was in place, the KSA was poised to move to the next level.

For example, over the past year, we’ve been involved in some exciting place making activities. Placemaking is the creation of interesting and welcoming places where people feel comfortable and inspired. During our 2016 annual Kendall Community Day, participants built little public libraries in teams that are now in active use throughout the Square. You can see people borrowing and donating books daily. At the 2017 Kendall Community Day, teams created works of art that are now displayed along the KSQ Gallery Walk on Broad Canal Way. Another important initiative was the installation of wayfinding kiosks throughout the Square. Each kiosk has directions to key locations, a map, and is easy to spot with the KSA’s bright green K in a square logo on the top. What made this effort particularly unique is that the major property owners worked together on the design and implementation of the kiosks — collaboration is in our DNA.

What do you like best about Kendall Square? What’s next for the KSA?
I love walking around Kendall Square and seeing and feeling all of the activity and energy. It seems like there’s something new to take in every day. The organizations and people of Kendall Square are creative problem-solvers with a shared forward-thinking approach to their work. I love that.

At the KSA, we’re still basking in the positive glow from our recent 9th annual meeting where New York Times columnist Tom Friedman gave a riveting keynote speech on the intersection of innovation, technology, and society. At that gathering, we announced the KSA’s 2017 priorities, which are: 1) advance the innovation ecosystem (that’s a constant), 2) advocate for transportation, 3) enhance placemaking, and 4) grow community collaborations.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Alexandra Lee, the KSA team is planning the 5th annual Kendall EatUp event in October where we’ll showcase Kendall Square restaurants during a fun evening with lots of surprises. We also have several Lunch ‘n Learn programs on current topics planned, along with our popular Third Thursday events where we partner with local nonprofits. There’s a lot going on every day in Kendall Square and at the KSA.

Learn more about the Kendall Square Association and how to become a member!
https://www.kendallsq.org/

Check out Channel 5’s Chronicle episode ”The Future Lives Here” to discover more about Kendall Square.
http://www.wcvb.com/article/kendall-square-the-future-lives-here/8632491

Contact Info:

• Address: Kendall Square Association
  510 Kendall Street
  Cambridge, MA 02142
• Website: https://www.kendallsq.org/
• Phone: 617-547-5772
• Email: info@kendallsq.org

Image Credit:
Cassandra Gray, KSA

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