Wesley Walker is a not for profit / community leader who has enjoyed a distinguished career helping build communities. He brings a track record of leading and helping organizations drive social change and community building through effective not for profit leadership. He brings in-depth experience and leadership in: administration, benefits administration, budget management, budgeting, business development, consulting, contract management, directing, finance, government, grant writing, leadership, local government, organizational skills, personnel, police, policy analysis, real estate, risk management, seminars, supervisory skills, technical support and vision.

Mr. Walker is interested in meeting with fellow not for profit leaders for possible interim / project-based engagements in which he can help those organizations achieve their mission.

Examples of the work and impact Mr. Walker has achieved include:

In his most recent role as Senior Director of Community Impact with The Chicago Community Trust, he oversaw the decision-making process for the selection and award of Trust grants with a budget of $6 Million to organizations that were aligned with the Trust’s strategic plan for reducing the racial and ethnic wealth gap in the Chicago region. In this role, he led a team of five professionals and represented the Trust in various forums and convenings on wealth equity issues and potential grant recipients informing them on Trust grant policies and strategic direction.

As Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity, South Suburbs of Chicago, Wesley had executive responsibility for this organization providing home ownership opportunities for low income families. He worked closely with the Board to develop strategy, raise funds and provide executive leadership. In this role, he was the public face of the affiliate in public functions and conferences, meeting frequently with clergy, elected officials and community leaders.

As Executive Director for the Network of Woodlawn, a comprehensive community development initiative formed to address issues of systemic poverty and underinvestment in portions of the Woodlawn neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, Wesley worked closely with the Board Chair and NOW partner organizations on issues relative to community programs and policies, short and long-term goals, strategic partnerships and development of relationships with key constituencies.

As Executive Director of Northway Community Trust, Wesley had executive responsibilities for this community support organization formed to improve the quality of life for North Minneapolis residents. The purpose was to foster collaborative efforts across many new programs.

Wesley holds a Master of Public Administration from The American University, Washington DC and a BA in Political Science from Cleveland State University.

Past / Present Board roles include:

Habitat for Humanity Chicago, Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities, Heartland Democracy

LinkedIn: Wesley Walker