(BALTIMORE, MD – June 13, 2025) — Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) Board of Directors proudly announce the appointment of Otis Rolley as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of BDC, effective June 23, 2025. A veteran of Baltimore government with national acclaim, Rolley becomes the first African American man to lead the city’s economic development agency, succeeding Colin Tarbert.
A longtime Baltimore resident, Rolley brings deep local roots and extensive national experience. He previously served as the city’s first Deputy Housing Commissioner, Director of Planning, and Chief of Staff to the Mayor. Beyond Baltimore, Rolley has held executive leadership roles at major philanthropic and economic institutions across the country.
“Otis Rolley brings unmatched experience in economic development both here in Baltimore and across the nation — but what truly sets him apart is his passion for our city,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Otis is the right leader to attract global investment, champion equitable growth, and help write the next chapter of Baltimore’s renaissance. His historic appointment as the first Black man to lead BDC is a powerful signal of progress and purpose.”
“Baltimore has always been home — even when my career took me across the country,” said Rolley. “I’m honored to return and apply the lessons I’ve learned advancing economic opportunity nationwide. After overseeing over $1 billion in impact investments, I’m excited to bring my experience and network back to the city that raised me. Together, we will make sure Baltimore’s resurgence lifts every neighborhood.”
“Otis was the clear and unanimous choice to lead BDC,” said Augie Chiasera, Chair of the BDC Board of Directors and Executive Vice President at M&T Bank. “His blend of Baltimore insight and national expertise makes him uniquely qualified to lead transformative, inclusive growth across the city.”
“Otis Rolley is the kind of bold, visionary leader modern economic development requires,” said Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council. “His record of impact across government, philanthropy, and community development makes him ideally suited to help Baltimore build a more equitable and resilient economy.”
Rolley most recently served as Social Impact Advisor to David Steward at Kingdom Capital in St. Louis. He was the first African American to lead the Wells Fargo Foundation, overseeing $300 million in annual philanthropic investment across 17 countries. His previous leadership roles include serving as President and CEO of Invest Newark and managing the U.S. Equity and Economic Opportunity Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation.
He holds a Master’s in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. Rolley currently 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 of Black Girls Vote. He lives in Baltimore’s Otterbein neighborhood with his partner, Jason Cooper, and their three children: Nia, Noah, and Grace.
About the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC):
BDC is the economic development agency for the City of Baltimore. Its mission is to foster inclusive economic growth by supporting business retention, expansion, and attraction while promoting investment, vibrant neighborhoods, and a high quality of life for all residents.
Learn more at www.baltimoredevelopment.com
