April 22, 2024

RALEIGH – The John Locke Foundation is proud to announce Mr. Rodney Pitts as its new Board Chair. A seasoned supporter of free markets and longtime board member, Mr. Pitts has an extensive history of commitment to the economic prosperity of North Carolinians. 

“We are thankful to have Mr. Pitts as a guiding voice at our organization,” said Locke CEO Donald Bryson. “Under Rodney Pitts’ chairmanship, the John Locke Foundation will continue fighting for economic freedom, limited, constitutional government, and policies that promote prosperity across the state.” 

Having acquired Southern Elevator in 1991, Mr. Pitts transformed the enterprise into the premier regional elevator company across the Carolinas and Virginia. Under his stewardship, the company became synonymous with exceptional service, repair, and modernization of diverse elevator systems. 

Mr. Pitts’ business acumen was honed in the competitive corridors of AEA Investors, a private equity firm in New York City, before he returned to his roots in Charlotte. His academic journey is equally impressive, holding degrees from Duke University, the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, and the University of Louvain in Belgium. 

He has volunteered his time to several boards and associations, including the Charlotte Economics Club, Charlotte Country Day School, and the Duke University Alumni Association. Mr. Pitts also contributes his expertise to the Federal Reserve Industrial Council for the Richmond Federal Reserve Bank and serves on the Investment Committee of Charlotte Country Day School. 

As a member of Locke’s board since August 2018, Mr. Pitts has been instrumental in advocating for policies that enhance liberty and economic freedom — principles that he has upheld throughout his career. 

Mr. Pitts replaces Paul Slobodian, Pamlico County resident and founder of Pivot Consulting, who will remain on the board. 
 
Bryson continued, “Mr. Slobodian has been an absolute asset to the John Locke Foundation. He helped us navigate bringing two large public policy organizations together in 2021, and with that we have seen increased public policy success in our state. I’m proud to have worked with him and thank him for his continued service in North Carolina public policy.”