March 2: Commissioner Bob Rolfe, TN Dept. of Economic & Community Development

Bob Rolfe serves as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The department is responsible for recruiting business and industry to the state, supporting existing companies, expanding economic opportunities across rural Tennessee and boosting the state’s overall economic prosperity.

Rolfe has served as TNECD commissioner since March 2017. Under his leadership, TNECD has increased Tennessee’s global footprint. During Rolfe’s tenure, he has led Tennessee’s efforts in the recruitment and expansion of over 100 international projects, which represent an investment of more than $5 billion and 17,000 job commitments in the state. 

Rural Tennessee has become a top priority for TNECD in recent years. Since 2017, the department has provided more than $172 million in funding to rural communities throughout the state. In addition, companies have invested $4 billion and committed to create more than 20,000 new jobs in rural communities over the past two years.

Before joining TNECD, Rolfe held the position of CEO of Medical Reimbursements of America, Inc. In 2011, Rolfe co-founded West End Holdings, a Nashville-based private equity partnership.

Rolfe received his E.M.B.A. from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University and his B.S. from the University of Alabama’s School of Commerce and Business Administration.