Rose M. Washington

As chief executive officer of Tulsa Economic Development Corporation, Rose Washington is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing strategies that support the organization's role as a catalyst leader in economic growth. TEDC enlightens people, enables small businesses, helps develop communities. In partnership with a variety of stakeholders, TEDC uses public and private resources to encourage business start-up and expansion. Through its Creative Capital brand, the organization reaches over 300 entrepreneurs and small businesses each year providing development services and loans ranging from $500 to $10 million. Under Washington’s leadership, TEDC’s loan portfolio has grown more than 1200%.

Over the past decade, the corporation has become a highly regarded partner in most city-wide economic development initiatives. With broad experience creating strategic alliances in diverse communities, Washington is known to be resourceful, creative and solutions-oriented. Four special projects give TEDC expanded capacity for measurable, sustainable impact: construction of a new 17,654 square feet grocery store in a food desert; construction and operation of a 17,000 square feet retail center; plans to develop 30 acres of industrial land; and acquisition of a building in downtown Tulsa to provide space to an innovation-focused business incubator.

Prior to arriving in Oklahoma, Rose enjoyed a successful career in community and government relations leadership with the University of Southern California, as well as, several years in banking and higher education in Mississippi. She holds a BBA in Finance and an MBA from Mississippi State University and Mississippi College, respectively. Rose is the proud mother of two children: Mariah Rentie, a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma and Morris Rentie III, a Junior at Union High School.