Bob Woodson Biography

Robert L. Woodson, Sr., is founder and president of the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE), which he founded in 1981 with the name National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise. Often referred to as the godfather of the movement to empower neighborhood-based organizations, Bob Woodson's social activism dates back to the 1960's, when as a young civil rights activist, he developed and coordinated national and local community development programs. During the 70's he directed the National Urban League's Administration of Justice division and then served as a Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. For more than 40 years Woodson has been a source of guidance and support for grassroots organizations around the world.He was instrumental in paving the way for resident management and ownership of public housing, and brought together task forces of grassroots groups to advise the 104th Congress, the Pennsylvania Legislature, and the Wisconsin Assembly.

He is consulted by cabinet officials, numerous governors, members of Congress, academicians, business leaders, and the news media. In 2006 he received a Presidential appointment to the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

He has worked with youth intervention and violence prevention programs since the 1960's and has written several books on the subject, including a Summons to Life. Among the many awards Woodson has received is the prestigious John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the "genius" award. He is the author of hundreds of articles and several books, including The Triumphs of Joseph: How Community Healers are Reviving Our Streets and Neighborhoods, published by The Free Press in January, 1998. The book is available in bookstores around the country, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and through CNE’s Publications and Videos.