Jonathan Palmer Named RCODE executive director

RCODE is proud to announce that Jonathan Palmer has been selected as the organization’s new Executive Director. Mr. Palmer will step into the role following the remarkable leadership of Marvin Roger Anderson, who has served as both Executive Director and Chair of the Board for the past seven years. Mr. Anderson will continue to guide the organization as Chair of the Board.

Readers might recognize Jonathan as the former Director of Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. Brought in as a change agent, Jonathan successfully led the effort to restore the historic organization to financial health & full service and launched a historical archive. Prior to coming to HQB, Jonathan served as the Director of the Minneapolis Empowerment Zone (EZ), a federally-funded community renewal initiative through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The EZ was administered by the City of Minneapolis and worked to improve the quality of life for residents in the most impacted areas of Minneapolis and bring about systemic and direct change through economic and community development strategies. Before heading the EZ, Jonathan was the Executive Director of the Jordan Area Community Council (JACC), the citizen participation and Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) contract organization for the Jordan Neighborhood. He has built a career dedicated to strengthening communities, lifting diverse voices, and creating opportunities for growth and expression.

A native of the Washington D.C. Metro area, Jonathan first moved to Minnesota in 1989 during a hiatus from Morehouse College, to mentor under his uncle, Gleason Glover, past President of the Minneapolis Urban League for 26 years. Jonathan is a 1994 graduate (Class of 1991) of Morehouse where he received his BA in Psychology with a minor in Theatre. He is currently in the process of completing an MA in Public Affairs from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. In 2022, he received a Certificate from Loyola University, Quinlan School of Business for the Executive Leadership Institute program. In 2020, he received a Certificate from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business for the New Strategies program conducted by Business for Impact.

He is an avid historian and gives presentations and lectures on African, African American and Scottish history and culture as well as Systemic Racism, Critical Race Theory, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). He is an artist, poet, singer, genealogist and urban superhero working hard to make a difference in the communities he serves. His vision and dedication make him uniquely positioned to continue the important work of preserving and celebrating Rondo’s story while also guiding RCODE into new areas of growth. 

“Jonathan brings both proven leadership and a deep understanding of the power of community,” said Marvin Roger Anderson, Board Chair. “It has been my honor to serve in this role, and I am confident that under Jonathan’s leadership, RCODE will continue to thrive and expand.”

Mr. Palmer shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I am honored to join the Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions and to continue building on the legacy of Mr. Anderson and the Board. Together, we will carry forward the spirit of Rondo through programs that educate, inspire, and bring people together. I am excited to explore new ways for RCODE to serve our community and honor the resilience and creativity of those who came before us.”