Baltimore Government Veteran with National Expertise Returns Home to Lead City’s Economic Development
BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, June 13, 2025) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Baltimore resident Otis Rolley as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Baltimore Development Corporation. Rolley will begin in his new role effective June 23, 2025. With this appointment, Rolley becomes the first African-American man to lead the city’s economic development agency. He succeeds Colin Tarbert.
A longtime Baltimore resident who served as the city’s first Deputy Housing Commissioner, Director of Planning, and Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Rolley has strong local knowledge and a wide national network developed through his leadership roles at major foundations and organizations.
“Otis Rolley brings experience in economic development here in Baltimore City and nationwide to this role, but most importantly, he brings a real love for our city,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “I can’t think of a better person to champion Baltimore’s renaissance, attract domestic and global investments, and create opportunities for residents in every neighborhood. I’m especially proud that Otis will be the first Black man to lead BDC at such a transformative moment for our city and our economy.”
“Baltimore has always been home to me, even when my career took me across the country,” said Rolley. “I’m honored to bring home lessons learned from my work to advance economic mobility nationwide. After deploying over a billion dollars of impact, I’m eager to leverage my knowledge and networks for the city that shaped me. Together, we will ensure that Baltimore’s economic renaissance reaches every corner of our city, creating pathways to prosperity for all residents.”
“Otis Rolley brings the unparalleled combination of deep Baltimore roots and a far-reaching national perspective, which made him the unanimous choice to lead BDC into its next chapter,” said Augie Chiasera, Chair of the BDC Board of Directors and Executive Vice President at M&T Bank. “As a committed Baltimore resident who innately understands our neighborhoods and has forged influential networks across the country, Otis is uniquely equipped to drive transformative growth and accelerate the city’s economic resurgence”
“Otis Rolley exemplifies the forward-thinking leadership that modern economic development demands,” said Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). “His experience across philanthropy, government, and community development will help build a powerful foundation for the city’s next chapter. This historic appointment reflects the importance of diverse perspectives in creating truly inclusive economies.”
Rolley most recently served as a Social Impact Advisor for David Steward at Kingdom Capital (St. Louis, MO). He was the first African American to head the Wells Fargo Foundation, directing $300 million in annual philanthropic investments across 17 nations. His career also includes senior leadership roles at The Rockefeller Foundation, where he led the U.S. Equity and Economic Opportunity Initiative, and as President and CEO of Invest Newark, where he managed a multi-billion dollar development pipeline.
Rolley holds a Master’s in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Stonewall Community Foundation, the Board of Governors for the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and the advisory board for Black Girls Vote. Rolley has three children, Nia, Noah, and Grace, and resides in Baltimore’s Otterbein neighborhood with his partner, Jason Cooper.
About the Baltimore Development Corporation: The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is the economic development agency for the City of Baltimore. Its mission is to grow the city’s economy in an inclusive manner by retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses and promoting investment, dynamic neighborhoods, and a high quality of life.
For more information about the Baltimore Development Corporation, visit www.baltimoredevelopment.com
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