Muhammad Ali Center Announces Greg Roberts as New President and Chief Executive Officer

LOUISVILLE, KY (June 4, 2008) … Greg Roberts, President and Chief Executive Officer of the D.C. Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation, has been named the new President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Roberts was chosen following a national search for the position left open since the resignation of Michael J. Fox in October 2007; Barry Alberts has served at the Center’s helm as the interim CEO since January.

The Search Committee was led by Ina Bond, Chairman Emeritus of the Muhammad Ali Center and Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. Other members included board members Jonathan Blum, Lonnie Ali, Matt Thornton, and Alice Houston, and University of  Louisville Provost Shirley Willihnganz.

Roberts, a native of Washington, D.C., has an impressive professional background that includes leading the Magic Johnson Foundation in Los Angeles, Summerbridge National in San Francisco, and the Baltimore Education Scholarship Trust. His interest and experience in working with underserved youth has earned Roberts national recognition as a speaker and forceful advocate for the needs of young people.  Recently, Roberts was invited to participate in a White House Compassion in Action Roundtable; to present to the US Conference of Mayors’ Standing Committee on Children, Health and Human Services; and to contribute as a resource expert in a National Network of Afterschool Networks meeting.

“Greg is an outstanding choice to lead the Muhammad Ali Center,” said the Center’s Board Chairman Jonathan Blum.  “In his most recent position, Greg has raised and managed $150 million in public and private funds and developed strong partnerships with community leaders and elected officials. He has launched five innovative programs that strengthen services to youth, their families, and the leadership of youth-serving organizations. Greg is the right person at the right time to take the Center to the next level of success.”

Lonnie Ali, Vice Chair of the Center and wife of Muhammad Ali, said “Greg’s passion for helping children achieve their potentials is a perfect fit for the mission of the Ali Center.  His ability to connect the needs of people in this regard with programmatic initiatives that instill respect, hope, and understanding, are key components to Muhammad’s and my vision for the Center.”

Roberts, who will start his new position in late July, will be responsible for the Ali Center’s fundraising, administrative duties, and programmatic and partner-related endeavors. “I am thrilled to accept this challenge of leading the Ali Center in the spirit of Muhammad Ali,” said Roberts.   “The worldwide effect that The Champ has on people crosses all ages, ethnicities, religions, and geographic   borders. The ability to utilize the power and inspiration of Ali’s legacy to make a positive difference for humanity is an honor that I very much look forward to fulfilling.”

Ina Bond, who credits the Search Committee and search firm of Kittleman & Associates for doing an outstanding job, said that she was pleased Roberts had accepted the position and she looked forward to working with him. “We are fortunate to have found Greg,” Bond said. “His genuine concern for people—especially youth—and his professional experience in the non-profit world certainly align well with the needs and goals of the Ali Center.”

Blum said that he, too, was happy with the way in which the search was conducted and is grateful to Bond and Morial for leading that committee. He also thanked Barry Alberts for doing an excellent job during the search. 

“We are proud that we have had, during our first two years of operation, a balanced budget.  The Center has also enjoyed visitors from nearly 100 countries since opening in late 2005,” said Blum.  “Barry has not only kept things on an even keel, he has also laid the groundwork for an atmosphere that will assure a smooth transition for Greg,” Blum added, “and we look forward to having him on board.”

Roberts holds a Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Science in Counseling in Higher Education from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.   He is married to Reba Reddish.