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Otis Rolley

Economic & Community Development | Philanthropy & Community Impact | Equity & Opportunity

Otis Rolley is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in social impact, philanthropy, and urban development. He currently serves as a Social Impact Advisor for David Steward at Kingdom Capital.23 Here's an overview of his career and accomplishments:

Professional Background

Wells Fargo Foundation: Rolley most recently held the position of Head of Social Impact at Wells Fargo, where he led community engagement and enterprise philanthropy, including the Wells Fargo Foundation.1 In this role, he:

  • Directed policies, objectives, and initiatives for the Foundation
  • Oversaw philanthropic investments of $300 million annually across 17 nations
  • Managed a staff of over 125 employees
  • Leveraged the Foundation's philanthropic investment 3:1 in private and public social impact investments2

The Rockefeller Foundation: Prior to Wells Fargo, Rolley worked at The Rockefeller Foundation, where he:

  • Led grant-making, racial equity, and community-based initiatives
  • Managed the U.S. Equity and Economic Opportunity Initiative
  • Focused on economic stability, mobility, and innovation for low-wage workers and communities, particularly serving Black and Latino individuals, people of color, and women1

Urban Development Experience: Rolley's career has been dedicated to advancing equity, economic and community development in cities. His experience includes:

  • Serving as the seventh Director of Planning for the City of Baltimore
  • Working as president and CEO of the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation
  • Holding various leadership roles in Baltimore's city government, including positions in housing and community development12

Education and Personal

  • Master's in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University
  • Resides in Baltimore City and is a father of three children2

Otis Rolley's career spans over 25 years, during which he has demonstrated a strong commitment to urban development, social impact, and racial equity. His diverse experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors has positioned him as a leader in creating positive change in communities.

Highlights

Feb 17 · linkedin

Now more than ever, we need more strategic investments in equitable economic development. Excited to discuss measurable solutions with dynamic leaders and practitioners Lisa Rice, Lynette Rawlings, PhD, Dr. Michael McAfee & Wesley Matheus at the Festival of the Diaspora 2024 in Rio de Janeiro. Check us out at https://lnkd.in/e5wudYk4

#Rio2024 #policyandpolitics #inclusion #equity #economicopportunity #economicjustice

Dec 1 · linkedin

Today is my last day with the Wells Fargo Foundation. It's been a a rewarding and impactful experience. I’m grateful to Wells Fargo for allowing me to build on my professional purpose to uplift communities and increase economic mobility.

Thank you to all my colleagues, partners and friends who have blessed me with their talent, wisdom, example and consistent commitment to comprehensive and sustained social impact. There are way too many to tag here, but a special thank you and deepest gratitude to the Philanthropy and Community Impact team for all they do and have done as stewards of Wells Fargo’s philanthropic investments. Your commitment to advance an equity agenda for historically marginalized communities in the strategic areas of financial health, small business growth, sustainability and housing access & affordability is second to none! It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to lead such a dynamic global team!

Stay tuned for my next chapter, but for now, I just want to say thank you 🙏🏿 #grateful

Related Questions

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Otis Rolley
Otis Rolley, photo 1
Otis Rolley, photo 2
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Location

Baltimore, Maryland, United States