Dedicated Team with Vast Experience
Bridget Chisholm
Managing Partner
Bridget Chisholm is an established expert in structuring public – private financing for capital projects targeted to strengthen urban communities. As a 25 – year corporate and entrepreneurial executive, Ms. Chisholm brings innovative, bold and practical financing insight that actualizes her client’s vision. Ms. Chisholm gained her initial experience in public financing while serving as a Shelby County Commissioner. In this role she helped secure the largest bond issue for the FedEx Forum ($250 million), as well as Memphis’ first Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project, Uptown. Since 2008, her innovation and entrepreneurial acumen have resulted in the successful securing of over $1 billion in multi-layered financing transactions, restructurings and developments in the midst and wake of the nation’s economic downturn.
Ms. Chisholm’s expertise has been shaped by her entrepreneurial experiences. She led a private equity group overseeing a $20 million, 700-employee, multi-unit dining and restaurant franchise. She owned and operated a million-dollar service franchise in the Hope VI redevelopment area of south Memphis, TN. As owner and developer, Ms. Chisholm used her expertise in public-private partnerships to lead the development of multiple capital projects that totaled more than $6 million of investment capital. Her experience also includes brand management positions at General Mills, Maybelline Cosmetics, RJR Nabisco, and Avado Brands.
Ms. Chisholm formerly served as an appointed member on the Governor’s Advisory Council for Small and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB). She currently serves as an appointed member of North Carolina’s Banking Commission as well as a member of the High Point University Board of Visitors. Ms. Chisholm holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Wake Forest University and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.
Elmer “Bo” Chisholm
Managing Partner
Elmer Chisholm is an entrepreneurial-minded executive with more than 15 years of experience in retail, banking and sales. In his role with BWC, Elmer leverages his extensive knowledge and experience regarding project management to ensure that economic development projects are completed on time and on budget. His understanding of and focus on operational and risk management helps clients maximize the value proposition of projects.
Elmer has worked on a range of projects, including working with HBCUs to successful secure federal USDA grant funding and Historic Tax Credit (HTC) funding to upgrade existing infrastructure and facilities. Recent projects include ensuring the completion of a $26 million mixed-used economic development investment in west Birmingham, AL. In prior roles, he has applied his growth- and results-focused approach along with expert knowledge of business financing tools to execute business strategies, which entailed: managing oversight of multiple consolidations through periods of M&A and reorganization; fostering positive public relations while building brand value; and portfolio management expertise, which includes origination, underwriting, collections and compliance. Elmer has received multiple awards for sales, service and operational excellence.
Mr. Chisholm holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics & Sociology from Duke University and an MBA from New York Institute of Technology. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Iron Duke Alumni Association, and serves as a member of the HUB Advisory Board for Guilford County Schools.
Cedric Johnson
VP Research & Analysis
Cedric Johnson, brings a decade of knowledge and expertise regarding the intersection of public policy, business, and economic development. He has served in public policy analyst roles at think tanks where he conducted research and analysis on tax, fiscal, and economic issues, tracked key economic performance trends, and followed economic development best practices. Mr. Johnson has worked on economic development projects of various scope and scale, providing feasibility and economic analysis as well as strategic business development advisory.
In his role with BWC, Cedric’s current work includes assisting HBCUs and local agencies of government position their institutions and to participate in federal, state, and local economic development initiatives – such as the recently-passed federal Opportunity Zones Program. He has helped clients structure creative financing solutions for economic development initiatives that total nearly $200 million in secured funding. Cedric also advises public and private sector clients on identifying opportunities to pursue economic development initiatives that drive growth and create jobs and economic mobility in underserved communities. He works with entrepreneurs as well as startups and emerging enterprises seeking to raise investment capital for their respective ventures.
Mr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Clemson University, a Masters of Public Policy degree from Harvard University, and an MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. He is an alumnus of Leadership North Carolina (Class XXII) and the Toigo Foundation and currently serves on the Durham City-County Planning Commission and Durham’s Transportation Advisory Board.
