The Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging (CEOB) today announced the appointment of Robert Roake as director of operations, effective January 23. The CEOB was launched in 2021 as the private sector’s commitment to foster belonging and remedy opportunity gaps in Utah.

“The CEOB is in the midst of an exciting transition period, and I am thrilled to have Rob join our team,” said Ze Min Xiao, director of the CEOB. “Rob’s extensive experience in non-profit management and fund development will help establish an even stronger foundation for the CEOB to expand its mission in the coming year.”

Roake brings a broad range of leadership experience in non-profit management, community partnership building, and fundraising, most recently serving as chief operations officer at NeighborWorks Salt Lake (NWSL). In this role, he contributed to the growth of services and impact of the organization. Most recently, Roake spearheaded both the first merger in NWSL’s 45-year history and the establishment of the NeighborWorks Community Land Trust. He previously worked for the U.S. House of Representatives for Congressman Jim Matheson.

“I am honored to be a part of this incredible team,” said Roake. “The CEOB has a lot of exciting things on the horizon, and I look forward to building more equitable economic opportunities for the underserved communities in Utah.”  

The CEOB is a nonprofit organization—currently housed under the EDCUtah Foundation—to engage with communities and catalyze private, public, and philanthropic partnerships to remedy opportunity gaps in Utah. The CEOB envisions a Utah where everyone can thrive and belong.  The CEOB works with communities and partners to co-design actionable solutions.  

Learn more about the CEOB.