Christian Motley grew up in rural Alabama, in a small community across the railroad tracks from wealthier neighborhoods. “People worked hard,” he says. “But the distinction between those who had, and who didn’t, was very clear.”
Motley’s early experience sparked a lifelong commitment to understanding and addressing the kind of inequity he witnessed. After studying public school segregation at Berea College, he began his career in government and nonprofits focused on supporting urban and rural communities, working together across sectors to make a difference for youth and families.
In his current role as Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer at Results for America, Motley works alongside public sector leaders and local stakeholders to shift billions in public funding toward evidence-based strategies. He believes that data-informed policymaking ensures that lawmakers advance the most effective solutions that ultimately improve lives.
“People are losing trust in government and so many [other] systems that impact us every day,” he says. “Rebuilding that trust begins with getting results that people can feel.”
For Motley, the Fellowship is an opportunity to grow alongside his class and think critically about how they maximize their contributions together in this moment. “These are powerhouse individuals,” he says. “Each time we get together, I draw insights from their deep cross-sector experiences that I can apply immediately.”
Explore the full class of 2025–27 Children and Family Fellows