Roderick Wheeler is a philanthropy professional, advocate for social change, researcher and innovator with expertise in criminal justice, education, youth and workforce development, philanthropy, and investing in social enterprises.

Roderick volunteers as a steering committee member of the African American Legacy Fund of Indianapolis, a philanthropic initiative focused on addressing social-economic disparities experienced by African American.  Roderick serves as Executive Director of Grassroots Grantmakers, the only philanthropic network that includes residents as members, and National Director of Insights and Impact for LeadersUp, a national talent development accelerator providing demand-driven workforce development strategies, specializing in serving opportunity youth.

Prior to his current roles, Roderick served in various national and local philanthropic roles including Manager of Community Health for IU Health, Director of Community Impact for Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), and Senior Program Director for Strada Education Network. 

While serving in the U.S. Army, Roderick earned a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Leadership from Franklin University.  Prior to public service, Roderick graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and African American Studies and went on to earn a Master’s in Public Affairs with a concentration in Urban Studies and Nonprofit Management.

A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Roderick is passionate about social innovation and investing in strategies that empower people, disrupts flawed social systems that stifle opportunity, and achieves social impact, especially within poor communities of color.  Roderick is also passionate about coaching football, and serves as an assistant football coach at Indianapolis George Washington High School.