Robert Wilson-Black serves as President and CEO of the Faith & Politics Institute in Washington, DC, founded in 1991 to support members of Congress and FPI partners in leading lives of conscience, compassion, and courage. Rob served as CEO of Sojourners for nearly ten years, and as vice president of several colleges in the preceding decade. Committed to managing non-profits toward effective leadership in their sectors, he is also an historian of religion in America, holding a PhD from the University of Chicago (under Martin E. Marty), undergraduate degrees from the University of Richmond, and an honorary doctorate from Franklin College in Indiana. He delivered the Orr lecture at Dartmouth College in 2022, and recently authored a book on the history of higher education, The End of College (Fortress 2021). He has been a lead volunteer at Sidwell Friends School, the National Museum of American Religion, the Cosmos Club, the University of Chicago Divinity School, and the University of Lynchburg. Having travelled to over 70 countries for business, education and cultural exchange, Rob currently lives in Reston, Virginia where he and his wife, the Reverend Juli Wilson-Black, live with their three young adult children. He can be reached at robwilsonblack@faithandpolitics.org.
Rob Wilson-Black - President and CEO
Paul Alagero - Chief Operating Officer
As Protocol Officer and Government Liaison for the Faith and Politics Institute (FPI), Nelson Watkins is responsible for working closely with Congressional Members, to establish strong relationships with Members and their Staff. Nelson has held several key roles at the Faith and Politics Institute during his 21-year tenure. His current role most aptly reflects his passion for communicating the goals of FPI by providing service to Congressional Offices. Throughout his time at FPI Nelson’s attentiveness and work ethic has been reflected in his transitions from Office manager to Program Coordinator, to Senior Congressional Liaison and to his current role as Protocol Officer and Government Liaison.
Nelson’s expertise as an exemplary, trusted advisor and influencer was evident while serving in an Executorial management capacity for the Multi-million-dollar Estate of a prominent, deceased Georgetown Washingtonian. It was at that time, that he gained a heightened interest in the politics and influencers of Washington. His experience in this managing role influenced his decision to remain in Washington.
A native of Alabama, Nelson graduated from Faulkner University a Christian University in Florence, Alabama where he earned his degree in Business Administration with Concentration in Management in December 1987. He moved to Washington, DC in May 1998 to oversee the management and eventual sale of a multi-million dollar Georgetown Estate. Prior to moving to Washington, DC, Nelson held roles in a wide range of service and hospitality organizations in Alabama working in positions such as Assistant Payroll Manager for the Department of Human Resources and Assistant Front Office Manager and Night Auditor for one of the State of Alabama’s largest State Resorts.
Nelson’s servant heart is evidenced by his devotion to serving at his church as Associate Minister at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, one of the oldest historic black churches in the DMV area under the leadership of Rev. Dr. George L. Parks, Jr. In December 2007, Nelson was officially licensed into Ministry by Senior Servant Emeritus Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. Nelson is also Director of the Charles S. Whitted New Disciples Ministry, Former Vice President, and Chaplain for (PUSH), Pray Until Something Happens Ministry, and the Pastor’s Partners ministry.
Nelson Watkins - Protocol Officer and Government Liaison
Marisa Pryor serves as the Director of Educational Programs for the Faith & Politics Institute. Marisa is a dedicated public servant with extensive experience in government relations, nonprofit and organizational management, leadership development, education, and policy in both domestic and international communities. During her tenure on Capitol Hill, Marisa worked with President Barack Obama's Commission on White House Fellowships to facilitate the fellows selection process and as Administrative Director for US Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR)-- experiences she anchored with coordination assignments on national political campaigns. Marisa's passion for creating life-long learners has included serving as Director of Strategy & Logistics at the District of Columbia Public School Systems and as the Director of Admissions and Family Events at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg, South Africa. Marisa holds a juris doctor degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. She received her bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College. Marisa currently lives in Arlington, Virginia. She can be reached at marisa.pryor@faithandpolitics.org.
Marisa Pryor - Director of Educational Programs
Ikram Osman - Program Coordinator
Hope Myers - Visual Media Coordinator
Madeleine Ouoba - Information Manager and Office Administrator