Endorsements

Endorsement from George Thompson
Wale Elegbede Wale Elegbede

Endorsement from George Thompson

“As someone who has lived in and observed this community for 56+ years, I have had the opportunity to witness many leaders come and go. Very few have demonstrated the level of consistent level of leadership,  service, compassion, integrity, and action that Walé Elegbede has shown to the people of Rochester. I have observed him work effectively with all people to achieve, mutually beneficial opportunities for all people.

I have personally watched Walé lead during some of the most difficult and important moments our community has faced. He has never been afraid to step forward when leadership was needed. Whether advocating for fairness, bringing people together across differences, supporting vulnerable families, or helping the community navigate challenging conversations, Walé has consistently led with courage, humility, and respect for all people.

What many people may not always see is the tremendous amount of work Walé does behind the scenes to build relationships, form strategic coalitions, and bring people together around issues that benefit the Rochester community. I have personally witnessed him work quietly and tirelessly across organizations, neighborhoods, and institutions to create partnerships, reduce division, and move important initiatives forward. He understands that real leadership is not about seeking attention – it is about doing the work necessary to strengthen the community.”

“In a time when division and distrust have impacted so many communities, Rochester needs a leader who can unite people while still standing firmly for justice, dignity, and accountability. I believe Walé Elegbede is that leader.“

George Thompson

Read More
Statement of Support from Mayor Hollies Winston Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Wale Elegbede Wale Elegbede

Statement of Support from Mayor Hollies Winston Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Dr. Walé Elegbede is the kind of leader cities need right now.

As Mayor of Brooklyn Park, I understand the responsibility that comes with leading a growing and diverse community. Dr. Elegbede brings the judgment, work ethic, and real-world experience required to do the job well.

He has built trust across communities, invested in economic opportunity, and consistently shown up for families and neighborhoods throughout Rochester. Just as importantly, he understands that public safety and economic growth are built through relationships, accountability, and long-term investment in people.

Rochester deserves a mayor who is prepared to lead from day one. Dr. Walé Elegbede is that leader, and I am proud to support him.

Mayor Hollies Winston

Read More

Testimonials

  • A Servant Leader & Distinguished Alumni

    University of Wisconsin–La Crosse: “A Servant Leader”

    —The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse recognized Walé Elegbede as a servant leader whose work has extended far beyond professional success. Through his leadership in healthcare, community engagement, interfaith collaboration, and social justice advocacy, Walé has consistently demonstrated a commitment to serving others, building bridges across differences, and creating meaningful impact within communities.

    The university highlighted both his professional accomplishments and his humanitarian leadership, recognizing his ability to lead with humility, compassion, integrity, and purpose. Whether advancing innovation in healthcare, mentoring others, or standing alongside communities during moments of division and uncertainty, Walé’s leadership has remained grounded in service to people.

  • An Innovator and Business Leader

    INC 5000 Recognition: Wale’s Lumbergear Software Mentioned in INC 5000

    —Driven by a business and entrepreneurial spirit, Walé co-founded a software company and independently developed Lumbergear, an ERP and manufacturing management software platform for the lumber industry that was recognized in the 2007 edition of the INC 5000. His work in innovation and operational transformation helped drive measurable business outcomes, contributing to 84% revenue growth totaling $30.3 million for a client.

    Through his leadership in systems development, process improvement, and technology innovation, Walé also helped improve efficiency, strengthen operations, and support the success of numerous businesses across multiple industries.

  • A Visionary and Values- Based Leader

    PM Solutions: “What He Said: Rules of Engagement..”

    —PM Solutions highlighted Walé Elegbede’s leadership, recognizing his values-driven approach to leadership, employee engagement, and organizational transformation. The editor described him as a leader who genuinely embodied humility, authenticity, and service through his leadership style.

    “Not only is the visionary work of the CRM inspiring, but I was impressed by the PMO leader, Wale Elegbede, PMP. When he said, “Leadership is influence. Values are the North Star,” his demeanor and humility as a presenter made me feel that he was a leader who truly walked his talk.”

  • A Leader and a Fighter

    —Minnesota Star Tribune: Thanks, Rochester, for not playing the ‘Minnesota Nice’ game

    Columnist Myron Medcalf recognized Walé’s persistence, leadership, and commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community, emphasizing his efforts to ensure Rochester would not ignore acts of hatred or discrimination. The article described Walé as a leader deeply committed to fairness, democracy, community transformation, and standing against racism and injustice.

    “I called Elegbede to commend him, his organization, the city of Rochester and others who pushed for legal penalties against Shiloh Hendrix. She’s the woman who used a racial slur against a young boy at a local park last spring.”

  • ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA

    MPR News: Rochester residents voice fear, anger and angst over continued ICE presence

    When many leaders were silent, Wale Elegbede was out front condemning ICE and supporting our Rochester community.

    — “Elegbede says the recent events harken back to some of the darkest chapters in history, such as the decades of apartheid in South Africa. He grew up in Nigeria under a military dictatorship, and he urged Rochester residents to not give into apathy.”

    “In the moment that we're living in, we are seeing children being terrorized — immigrants who have committed no crimes, business owners just going to work, students going to school, doctors going to take their patients. In the moment we're living in, the United States — the government — is racially profiling and targeting individuals based solely on the color of your skin.”

  • Community Servant and Bridge Builder

    La Crosse Tribune Editorial Board: Our view: Thumbs-up to community servants

    The La Crosse Tribune recognized Walé Elegbede for fostering open dialogue, standing against discrimination, and helping bring communities together across faiths and cultures during challenging times

    — “Thumbs-up the Community Conversation series in La Crosse that has fostered open discussion of critical issues in today’s world, and thumbs-up to Wale Elegbede for his speech last week about the Muslim faith. “