The Capacity Lab welcomes Katie Castro and Ian Jacobs of Ally Co as its new project leads, supporting the Capacity Lab's ongoing work to strengthen the nonprofit sector throughout Chautauqua County.
Katie Castro
Ian Jacobs
Katie and Ian will work alongside The Capacity Lab's leadership and volunteer teams to advance its strategic priorities, including strengthening connections among nonprofits, expanding professional development opportunities, and supporting organizational capacity building. Their work will include coordinating programs and initiatives, facilitating collaboration, and helping translate 2027 priorities into action.
The appointment builds on an existing relationship between The Capacity Lab and Ally Co. The two organizations have previously partnered on the Local Leadership Coaching Cohort, which brings together nonprofit professionals for leadership development, peer learning, and networking.
Ally Co is a Jamestown-based organization specializing in solving complex problems through human-centered design, collaboration, and hands-on implementation.
"The Capacity Lab has built a strong foundation for collaboration and capacity building in our nonprofit community," says Katie Castro, founder of Ally Co. "Ian and I are excited to work alongside its leadership and partners to build on that momentum, advance the work already underway, and help shape what's next. It's a natural fit for Ally Co and the kind of work we believe in."
Katie brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, organizational development, strategic planning, and facilitation. Her work includes supporting nonprofits, developing leaders, and bringing people together to create practical solutions to community challenges.
Ian is a brand and business strategist with more than 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, research, and organizational strategy. He has worked across healthcare, business, and nonprofit sectors, helping organizations clarify their priorities, engage audiences, and develop actionable strategies.
As project leads, Katie and Ian will build on The Capacity Lab's existing programs and partnerships while working with its leadership team to continue identifying and addressing the evolving needs of Chautauqua County's nonprofit community.
Katie and Ian can be reached at info@thecapacitylab.org.
