Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative (AWBI) Announces Dr. Alex Camardelle as Vice President of Policy & Research
Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative (AWBI) announced today that as part of the organization’s research and policy agenda laid out in its 2022-2024 Strategic Plan, AWBI will welcome Dr. Alex Camardelle as its incoming Vice President of Policy and Research.
Dr. Camardelle has a rich background in using rigorous, evidence-based research to develop policy solutions that seek to create economically and racially just outcomes. In his new role, Dr. Carmardelle will lead the development and activation of the organization’s research and policy agenda. AWBI’s top 2023 priorities entail adopting and launching robust research insights and policy proposals that aim to help policymakers and community advocates transform systems and structures of capital to end the racial wealth divide in Atlanta and across the South. Dr. Camardelle will also develop and disseminate AWBI’s Black wealth research; and expand local, regional, and federal public and private partnerships.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Camardelle is joining the team to lead ambitious research and policy agendas to help build knowledge, activate strategic partnerships, and mobilize resources to build black wealth,” says Dr. Janelle Williams, incoming CEO of Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative. “Dr. Camardelle holds extensive research, advocacy, and policy reform experience at the state and federal level as well as a deep understanding of the intersection of race, community development and wealth building which will undoubtedly be extraordinary assets for AWBI's work ahead.”
Dr. Camardelle begins his new position on January 23, 2023.
About Dr. Alex Camardelle
Dr. Camardelle most recently served as the Director of Workforce Policy at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, where he led a program that centers Black workers in policy debates concerning the future of work, workforce development, and access to good jobs. Dr. Camardelle also served as the Senior Policy Analyst for Economic Mobility at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute where his research and advocacy supported policy reforms shaping workforce development, worker justice, and access to core safety net programs for individuals and families with low incomes. Lastly, he worked at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where he was responsible for strengthening economic opportunity through research, grantmaking, and partnerships.
Dr. Camardelle serves on the board of directors for the National Skills Coalition, an organization that advocates to remove barriers to high quality training and employment services through policy change and Foreverfamily, Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth with incarcerated parents. He also serves on the advisory boards of Neighborhood Nexus and LISC - Atlanta. The Georgia Center for Nonprofits recognized Dr. Camardelle as one of its 2017 30 Under 30, a distinction for professionals who are making a powerful impact in Atlanta by exhibiting outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to their community work. He is also part of Georgia State University’s 40 under 40 alumni class.
Dr. Camardelle holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Alabama. He is also a graduate of Georgia State University, where he earned his Master’s of Public Administration degree in policy analysis and evaluation and Ph.D. in policy studies. Alex’s scholarship focuses on race, workforce development, and political economy. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. He lives in Atlanta with his partner Ricky and “gerberian shepsky” Zora.