Creative Cypher has taken a significant step forward by appointing Cindy Beasley as its first female President. This change comes on the heels of the company receiving two Emmy nominations and three Telly Awards, marking an exciting new chapter for the entertainment collective founded by Troy Pryor, a visionary creative and producer. Beasley’s appointment signals a strategic expansion aimed at further elevating underrepresented voices in film and television.
In a statement, Pryor expressed his confidence in Beasley’s leadership, saying, “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.”
Cindy Beasley is a lifelong creative from Chicago, recognized for her work with notable figures such as former FOX Chicago News anchor Robin Robinson and Emmy Award-winning journalist Samantha Chatman. Reflecting on her new role, Beasley stated, “I’ve been blessed to be a collaborative partner in something that the city and culture needs. Creative Cypher is building the next generation of creatives and entertainment thought leaders, and with structure and soul, I look forward to leading the way.”
Leadership Changes and Future Initiatives
Beasley’s appointment comes alongside the announcement of a new leadership team, which includes Kyle Marshall as Chief Operations Officer and Starr Gadson as Chief Marketing Officer. Both Marshall and Gadson have been long-time contributors to Creative Cypher, highlighting the company’s commitment to fostering homegrown talent within its ranks.
As Creative Cypher forges ahead, its flagship initiative, XL Fest, is set to expand through a key collaboration with TateMen Entertainment. This festival has garnered extensive media attention and has featured prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Robert Townsend, Larenz Tate, Vivica Fox, and Malcolm D. Lee. The collaboration aims to further solidify Creative Cypher’s presence in Chicago while enhancing its outreach on the global festival circuit.
Pryor remains actively engaged, holding the title of Chairman and participating on various boards including SAG-AFTRA Chicago and Definition Theater. His ongoing involvement in the creative community reflects his commitment to innovation and growth within the industry.
In addition to his leadership roles, Pryor is diversifying his portfolio as an executive producer and recently returned to radio as co-host of “Connect the Starrs,” airing on Rejoice 102.3 FM. He noted, “The goal has always been elevation and avoiding founder syndrome. 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.”
As Creative Cypher embarks on this new journey under Beasley’s leadership, the collective is set to continue its mission of nurturing diverse talent while making a significant impact in the entertainment landscape.
