Originally from Richmond, VA, Rodney Williams grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, which planted the seeds for his interest in business early on. He graduated from Drexel University in 2017 with a degree in entrepreneurial studies, where he also played Division I basketball and earned multiple athletic honors. After college, he spent three years playing professionally in Israel, Spain, France, and Sweden. During that time, he also completed his MBA through the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Coming back home was a turning point. Rodney had to figure out who he wanted to be outside of basketball. The transition wasn’t as smooth as he expected, and that period pushed him to think deeply about identity, career, and purpose. That work ultimately led him back to entrepreneurship.

Over the last several years, Rodney has built a career helping founders grow. He served as Head of Platform at 1863 Ventures, where he supported hundreds of entrepreneurs, ran accelerator programs, and worked closely with portfolio companies. He went on to join Zeal Capital Partners as a Portfolio Manager, guiding early-stage founders, managing investment processes, and helping companies navigate capital raises and operational challenges.

Rodney is now a Business and Startup Banker at M&T Bank, supporting small businesses and emerging founders across the DMV. He advises entrepreneurs on financing, growth readiness, and how to position themselves for capital.

His journey—from athlete to operator to advisor—is what inspired Athlete 2 Boardroom. Rodney built the platform to help athletes navigate the same transition he once faced. His mission is to give current and former athletes the tools, confidence, and clarity to thrive in business and build meaningful careers beyond sports.