John Hope Bryant is a distinguished American entrepreneur and thought leader renowned for his contributions to financial literacy and economic empowerment. As the founder, chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc., he has transformed the organization into the largest nonprofit provider of financial literacy services in the United States. Under his leadership, Operation HOPE has served over 4,000 inner-city schools and 500 low-wealth communities, successfully procuring $2 billion in private investments to support its mission of economic education and empowerment.
Bryant’s influence extends beyond nonprofit work; he has held significant advisory roles under multiple U.S. presidents. Appointed vice-chairman of President George W. Bush’s Council on Financial Literacy, he continued to serve under President Barack Obama as a member of the Advisory Council on Financial Capability. His advocacy has led to the formal recognition of financial literacy as a federal policy, and he has inspired initiatives such as the City of Los Angeles loan fund and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Entrepreneurship Education.
In addition to his nonprofit endeavors, Bryant is a successful businessman, leading Bryant Group Ventures and The Promise Homes Company, which focuses on minority-controlled residential rental properties. His work has garnered numerous accolades, including Oprah Winfrey’s “Use Your Life” Award and the “John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education” from the U.S. Department of Treasury, highlighting his impact on financial education.
Bryant is also a bestselling author and a sought-after speaker, sharing his insights on economics and leadership through various platforms, including his iHeart Radio podcast, “Money and Wealth with John Hope Bryant.” Recognized by TIME Magazine in 2024 as one of the global leaders working to close the racial wealth gap, Bryant continues to inspire and empower individuals and communities through his unwavering commitment to financial literacy and economic inclusion.