From Banker to Chamber of Commerce CEO

Robert G. Willis ’76 planned to go to law school when he majored in political science at Colorado College, but his path took a turn. Thanks to connections in the college’s business office, he secured an internship with a Colorado Springs bank, “and I got really excited about the banking industry,” he says.

Willis rose to senior vice president with Norwest Bank in Denver (now Wells Fargo), one of the first African-Americans to reach that position. He later moved to AT&T Broadband as vice president for constituent relations, then served as executive director for the Colorado Rockies. “The team made an honest effort to create a diverse environment in the front office,” Willis says. “It was quite an adventure, but the schedule was tough on my family.” In 2003, he joined the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce as president and CEO.

Willis started college at University of Colorado-Boulder, where he played basketball. Soon, he says, “I realized I needed an education rather than just basketball. CC was one of the best choices I ever made in my life. I never felt discrimination. In fact, students, professors, and staff really reached out to make sure we had opportunities to enjoy college life and be successful. CC helped me get into the corporate world and blow through any ‘glass ceilings.’”

Willis has long been active in the Denver community, serving on the boards of Mile High United Way, YMCA, Lowry Redevelopment Authority, Shaka Franklin Foundation, Young Americans Bank, and 100 Black Men of Denver, but he felt working for the Chamber was an opportunity to give back to the African-American community and its businesses. In the last year, the Chamber has more than doubled corporate memberships and increased total membership.