Jay Bailey, President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), commands a $40 million dollar project that is the largest center in America, dedicated to empowering African American entrepreneurs and small business owners. Jay is an Atlanta native and die-hard Georgia Bulldog, He has been recognized by 3 U.S. Presidents for his leadership and community efforts. In 2012, he was one of eight Americans honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change: Following in the Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Dedicated to service, he is the National Point of Light Award and a Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award recipient from the Obama Administration and officially named an “Amazing Atlantan” by the city of Atlanta. He is a recipient of the coveted Whitney M. Young National Community Service Medallion, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Service Award, a New Leaders Council Fellow, member of Alpha Phi Alpha and the 100 Black Men of Atlanta.

Jay is married to NBC news correspondent Blayne Alexander and together with their daughter Sage live in Atlanta.