Code Nation Welcomes First Chicago Board Member, David Kalt

Code Nation is thrilled to welcome David Kalt to the Code Nation family as our first Chicago-based member of our Board of Directors.

David has spent his career building software and successful technology businesses, including Reverb.com, optionsXpress, and ClientBASE. David’s passions lie in the intersections of music, technology, and finance. He is deeply committed to sharing the joys and benefits of technology with others and to giving back to his community in Chicago.

“I know firsthand that learning how to code can be a life-changing opportunity. I am so happy to join an organization that is expanding access to coding and tech careers, creating pathways to economic security and an incredibly fulfilling career.  Everyone has a role to play in ensuring Chicago develops a diverse and inclusive tech sector, and I’m excited to do everything I can to advance this mission as part of the Code Nation team.” said David about joining the Code Nation board.

“We are excited for the talent, perspective, and energy David will bring to our Board of Directors,” said Rebecca Novak, Code Nation’s CEO. “David’s commitment to education, technology, entrepreneurship, and his love for Chicago will be invaluable as we work to expand the reach and impact of our programs in Chicago and beyond.”

Founded in 2012, Code Nation equips students in under-resourced high schools with the skills, experience, and connections that together create access to careers in technology. Code Nation programs have reached over 5,000 students to date in New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Chicago.  Code Nation alum are pursuing tech careers at 8x the rate of their peers.

Code Nation launched in Chicago in 2019, in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. In the year ahead, the organization will reach more than 200 Chicago students through it’s school-based Introduction to Web Development Program and company-based Fellowship Program.

With David’s help, alongside a growing community of school, community, company, and philanthropic partners, Code Nation will become the premier tech education organization ensuring all of Chicago’s young people have equitable access to careers in tech — positioning them to fulfill their full economic, social, and creative potential in a city hungry for their talents.

Are you ready to Command + Shift the Future? Donate to Code Nation, apply to volunteer, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.