HBCU alums join NFL ownership group

Arthur M. Blank, Atlanta Falcons owner, and chairman, today announced the addition of four new limited partners to the organization’s ownership group following approval from the full NFL ownership at league meetings in Nashville. The new limited partners, pending the final closing of the agreements, are Rosalind Brewer, Dominique Dawes, Rashaun Williams, and Will Packer. Packer, Williams, and Brewer are all HBCU alums.

They join the current group of limited partners that includes Brian Barker, Ron Canakaris, Warrick Dunn, Doug Hertz, Alan Kestenbaum, Edward Mendel, and Derek Smith. Brewer, Dawes, Packer, and Williams have made their marks in corporate business, athletics, entertainment, and finance. Each brings keen business acumen, leadership, and perspectives that will enhance the ownership group in a variety of ways. Brewer has served as an associate director on the board of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation since 2016 and will continue in that role.

“Roz, Dominique, Will, and Rashaun are impressive leaders who have made an impact in a variety of enterprises, while also building histories of success making a difference in the world around them and positively impacting people in ways that align very well with our Core Values,” said Blank. “Each brings unique talent, experience, and perspective to our ownership group so I’m excited to have them on board as limited partners and to tapping their vast expertise in finding ways to continue building the Atlanta Falcons and making an even bigger difference in our community.”

New limited partners for any team in the league are carefully vetted by the team, league office, and the NFL’s Finance Committee, before being advanced to a full vote of the NFL’s 32 owners. The vote on the Atlanta Falcons’ new LPs occurred today in Nashville and they are approved effective immediately.

Statement From Will Packer

“The power of representation and equity should never be underestimated and as someone who has dedicated his career to creating diverse imagery, I have a true appreciation of Mr. Blank’s commitment to opening doors that have historically been closed to African Americans. This investment represents not only the personal opportunity of a lifetime but also the chance to demonstrate for generations to come that someone who looks like me can excel not only on the field but at the highest level of the exclusive ranks of NFL ownership.”

Statement From Rashaun Williams

“NFL football is the great unifier, bringing people together across socioeconomic, racial, and political divides. As an alumnus of Morehouse College now raising a family in Atlanta, I could not be more excited to invest in the Falcons. I believe in the immense potential of this team and this city to Rise Up to the greatest heights, and I look forward to supporting the Falcons and the city of Atlanta for many successful seasons to come.”

Statement From Rosalind Brewer

“As I embrace the opportunity to become a limited partner of the Atlanta Falcons, I’m reminded that true leadership extends beyond boardrooms and onto the fields where dreams are forged and communities united. My journey has always been about people – their stories, aspirations, and the communities we build together. Having worked with Arthur and his Foundation for several years, I have deep respect and appreciation for the values that guide everything Arthur does in his businesses and philanthropy – his impact on Atlanta has been immeasurable. With this incredible opportunity, I look forward to championing the Falcons’ successes and Atlanta’s spirit as we strive to make a genuine difference in the lives we touch, both on and off the field.”

HBCU Connections

Will Packer, one of Hollywood’s most influential and record-breaking filmmakers, has produced or executive produced a wide range of movies grossing more than $1 billion worldwide at the box office. Packer is a magna cum laude graduate of HBCU, Florida A&M University (FAMU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Packer received the Meritorious Achievement Award from Florida A&M, the highest honor the university bestows. In a 2021 ceremony, FAMU dedicated and officially opened the Will Packer Student Performing Arts Amphitheater.

Rashun Williams is a family office investor, venture capitalist, and financial literacy activist with over 170 investments under his belt. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., and a summa cum laude graduate of Atlanta HBCU Morehouse College.

Rosalind Brewer is an influential corporate executive celebrated for her visionary leadership, trailblazing initiatives, and advocacy for positive change in global business. Brewer has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Atlanta HBCU Spelman University.