Rickie C. Keys, PhD, MPH, Senior Fellow of Health and Social Policy at the University of Denver – Center for African-American Policy. During the past fifteen years, Dr. Keys has conducted research and developed programs to address health, social and economic issues affecting communities of color through the effective delivery of economic analysis and community development. His strengths are best utilized in projects that are collaborative, emphasize community and familial assets and foster self-determination. Most recently, Dr. Keys has led an initiative to identify the availability and accessibility of financial services in selected communities throughout the United States, specifically in communities with high concentrations of minorities.


Dr. Keys is founder and executive director of the Renewal Community Development Fund, a non-profit (501-C3) community development corporation. The fund serves as a financial intermediary, accepting private investment from banks, GSEs and foundations and providing this capital to organizations and individuals to acquire and develop affordable housing in low-to-moderate income communities.

Dr. Keys is also the owner of Renewal Financial Services, LLC, a management consulting, financial service and investment banking organization. This company provides financial education and other services to unbanked and underbanked consumers. Dr. Keys earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Health Policy and Marketing from Tulane University. He received a Masters degree in Public Health from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in Health Systems Management. Dr. Keys also holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Southern University.