Rusty Clifton is the founder of The ReCreate Project and a creative director who has built brands, campaigns, and digital experiences for companies and organizations across the country. With a background in design and strategy, he believes creativity is not a rare talent but a universal human capacity that can unlock opportunity and dignity. Through The ReCreate Project, Rusty is committed to helping incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals discover their creative potential and build sustainable, meaningful careers.

Ben Gibbs is a strategist, educator, and collaborative leader with extensive experience bridging creative thinking, research, and real-world impact. He has worked at the intersection of higher education, innovation, and organizational strategy, helping teams clarify vision and execute with purpose. As a board member of The ReCreate Project, Ben brings thoughtful guidance and systems-level insight to support the program’s long-term growth and effectiveness.