A Nigerian, Adewale Adeyemo has been announced as the first president of the Obama Foundation.
Obama Foundation, which is the nonprofit of the former US president, Barack Obama stated the news on its website.
The foundation is overseeing construction of the proposed Obama Presidential Center. The $500 million center that’ll house presidential artifacts, among other things, is planned for a lakefront park on the city’s South Side.
The statement revealed that Adeyemo, who is fondly called “Wally” will work closely with current Foundation leadership, including Board Chairman Martin Nesbitt and CEO David Simas. Adeyemo will manage the Foundation’s day-to-day operations, helping to implement the organization’s overall strategic goals and vision.
Nesbit was quoted as saying, “Wally is the ideal person to help lead the Foundation team as we continue to grow the impact of our global civic engagement programs and advance the Obama Presidential Center.
“Given his executive experience in both the public and private sectors and previous service with President Obama, Wally is well-positioned to help us continue to translate our sky-high ambitions into operational reality through daily leadership of our talented staff.”
Adeyemo was appointed in 2015 as President Obama’s senior international economics adviser, responsible for coordinating the policymaking process related to international finance, trade and investment, energy, and environmental issues.
Adeyemo also has held several senior management positions at the US Department of the Treasury, including Senior Adviser and Deputy Chief of Staff. He also helped launch the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2011 as its first Chief of Staff.
