Jay Bailey

Jay Bailey is a prominent entrepreneur and business leader based in Atlanta, Georgia. Here are some key details about his background and current roles:

Professional Experience

Jay Bailey currently serves as the President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) in Atlanta, a position he has held since May 2018.12 RICE is described as the largest center in America dedicated to empowering African American entrepreneurs and small business owners. It aims to be an economic mobility engine for the community, offering resources, mentorship, and opportunities for business development.2

In addition to his role at RICE, Bailey is an Entrepreneur In Residence at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, a position he has held since August 2021.2 In this capacity, he mentors and inspires students interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Background and Previous Roles

Bailey's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age. He started his first business, "The House of Boom," installing car stereo equipment, when he was just 12 years old.3

Prior to his current positions, Bailey served as:

• Chief Executive Officer for the Southeast Region at Operation HOPE from 2007 to 20152
• Managing Partner at Greenwood Archer, a minority-owned private equity firm2
• Chairman of the Phoenix Leadership Foundation, a role he has held since September 20152

Education and Personal Journey

Bailey attended the University of Georgia, graduating with a focus in Speech Communications and Business.1 His life story includes both significant successes and challenges. He became a millionaire at age 26 through banking and real estate ventures, but later experienced financial hardship during the real estate crash of the early 2000s.1

Vision and Impact

Jay Bailey is known for his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, particularly within underserved communities. His work at RICE aims to create a hub for business development, offering resources like affordable coworking space, mentoring, networking, and capital resources.2 He often speaks about the importance of building sustainable models for growth and creating opportunities for economic advancement in the African American community.14