The Opportunity Zone Expo is proud the announce keynote speaker Keith Rothfus, a former congressman from Pennsylvania, where he represented the state’s 12th Congressional District from 2013 to 2019. During his time in Congress, Rothfus was passionate about ensuring that America remains the land of opportunity and freedom that the founders intended it to be. He was appointed to serve as vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit for the 115th Congress. He also served on the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance and the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance. As a member of the Financial Services Committee, Rothfus addressed issues concerning the banking system, housing, insurance and securities markets.
Rothfus graduated from Buffalo State College with a bachelor’s degree and earned his law degree at the University of Notre Dame. He spent most of his professional life in the private sector. As an attorney, he helped businesses of all sizes expand and create jobs in western Pennsylvania.
Rothfus served as the first director of the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He launched and managed DHS’ efforts to coordinate relief services with faith-based and community organizations after natural disasters. He has served on the board of directors of the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, an organization that provides support services to local veterans and their families.