ANTHONY BOLDEN
Des Plaines,IL
Summary
Executive leader driving organizational transformation, multi-year strategy, and ecosystem partnerships. Led financial turnarounds, secured long-term public-sector agreements, and launched equity-centered innovations that scale impact and sustainability.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-founder & CEO
BridgeWork LLC.
Chicago, IL
01.2024 - Current
- Executed workforce development initiatives, positioning BridgeWork as a partner for systemic solutions in early-career retention and equity challenges.
- Secured partnerships with mission-driven organizations to improve employee experience and retention.
Executive Director
Chicago Debates
Chicago, IL
01.2023 - Current
- Secured over $7 million in diversified revenue through targeted partnerships and campaigns.
- Transformed $300,000 deficit into surplus by guiding Board of Directors in strategic planning.
- Expanded market presence by securing long-term contract with Chicago Public Schools.
- Launched Chicago's first Spanish-language debate program, earning 2024 Advancing Equity Award.
- Cultivated strategic relationships with corporations, law firms, and community leaders for growth.
- Enhanced program delivery through managed staff training initiatives, improving satisfaction rankings.
- Introduced innovative equity-focused programs, significantly increasing Title I school participation.
Senior Director of Programs
Chicago Debates
Chicago, IL
05.2020 - 01.2023
- Oversaw programmatic strategy and execution for middle school, high school, and speech initiatives.
- Developed three new program offerings, increasing participation from Title I schools.
- Supervised and coached a team of 5-7 staff, enhancing performance and engagement.
- Collaborated with Executive Director to refine growth plans and HR strategy.
- Managed programming budget exceeding $500K while evaluating outcomes with key performance indicators.
Program Manager
Partnership to Educate and Advance Kids (PEAK)
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Oversaw comprehensive scholarship and mentoring programs, attaining 100% college admission rate and recruiting 45 professionals to serve as four-year mentors for program participants.
Associate Pastor, Youth & Young Adults
Oakwood University Seventh-day Adventist Church
08.2016 - 10.2018
- Co-led a large, diverse congregation, revitalizing worship experiences and community outreach programs.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Nonprofit Management
North Park University
Chicago, ILChicago, IL
Master of Arts - Pastoral Studies
Oakwood University
Huntsville, ALBachelor of Arts - Music
Oakwood University
Huntsville, ALHuntsville, AL
Skills
- Strategic partnerships
- Strategic fundraising
- Systems change leadership
- Program development
- Board and stakeholder engagement
- Team management
- Operational planning
- Public speaking
- Workforce development
- Leadership coaching
Leadership And Recognition
- 40 Game Changers Under 40, WVON & Ariel Investments (2024)
- IMPACT Leadership Development Fellowship, Chicago Urban League & University of Chicago Booth School of Business
- Educational Equity Fellowship, Forefront Illinois
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Co-founder & CEO
BridgeWork LLC.
01.2024 - Current
Executive Director
Chicago Debates
01.2023 - Current
Senior Director of Programs
Chicago Debates
05.2020 - 01.2023
Program Manager
Partnership to Educate and Advance Kids (PEAK)
01.2018 - 01.2020
Associate Pastor, Youth & Young Adults
Oakwood University Seventh-day Adventist Church
08.2016 - 10.2018
Graduate Certificate - Nonprofit Management
North Park University
Master of Arts - Pastoral Studies
Oakwood University
Bachelor of Arts - Music
Oakwood University
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