Dr. Gelgelu has carved a distinguished career for more than 25 years, primarily in the realm of economic development and arts and culture as a catalyst for economic development strategy.
ST. PAUL, MN, May 09, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Gene Burka Gelgelu, PhD, has been recognized for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Gelgelu has carved a distinguished career for more than 25 years, primarily in the realm of economic development and arts and culture as a catalyst for economic development strategy. Currently serving as the founder, president, and chief executive officer of African Economic Development Solutions since 2008, he has dedicated himself to fostering growth and providing support within his community. His role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities that include fundraising, managing physical operations, and strategically contributing to the organization's expansion. Under his leadership, African Economic Development Solutions has built a robust funding stream supported by philanthropic organizations and state, federal, and city governments, among others.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Gelgelu was an operation analyst for the State of Minnesota in 2008, where he honed his analytical skills and gained valuable insights into public administration. From 2005 to 2006, he served as an insurance agent with American Income Life and developed a keen understanding of financial services and insurance products. His career also includes a tenure as an assistant manager at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel from 1997 to 2005, where he first cultivated his leadership skills and learned the intricacies of hospitality management.
Dr. Gelgeluis is highly regarded for his expertise in culturally specific business development services, strategic leadership and operational management, analytical skills and public administration insights, financial service and insurance expertise, hospitality management and leadership, and a skill that has been instrumental in guiding numerous entrepreneurs and businesses toward sustainable growth. His commitment to professional development is further evidenced by his active membership in the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, through which he engages with industry peers and contributes to advancing the sector as a whole.
Initially studying finance at Metro State University, from which he earned a Bachelor of Science in 2004, Dr. Gelgelu went on to attain a Master of Business Administration concentration in finance at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in 2008. Additionally, he earned his doctorate degree in educational leadership at Saint Mary's from 2017 to 2022. Despite facing challenges as an immigrant, he believes that hard work, dedication, family support, generosity, and the values instilled by his mother and grandmother have been crucial to his achievements.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Gelgelu is actively involved in civic associations such as the Planning Commissioner and Human Rights Commissioner for the city of St. Paul and served on the board of directors of multiple organizations. In his personal life, he is a devoted family man who finds solace and inspiration in attending church. Looking ahead, he has ambitious plans for expanding African Economic Development Solutions' impact through art and culture to stimulate economic growth across the country while empowering individuals to leverage their cultural assets. This vision includes renovating a recently acquired building in Minnesota to serve as a cultural entrepreneurship center (headquarters, retail store, African museum, and grocery store) as part of a broader strategy to grow the organization's capacity and reach.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
# # #