A Legacy of Purpose and Progress
Ron Berry has always believed that doing good is part of his family’s identity. His inspiration comes from relatives like his cousin Bryan Stevenson, the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and author of the bestselling memoir Just Mercy, which was later adapted into an award-winning film. This legacy of social justice and community empowerment continues through Berry’s work as the Managing Partner of Social Contract, where he addresses pressing societal challenges such as gun violence, homelessness, and housing instability.
Berry describes his organization as a bridge between governments, communities, and the private sector. “We’re the intersection point between these groups and really provide capacity and support to governments to help them get things done,” he explains. With a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Wilmington University, Berry has built a career centered on solving big social issues.
Building Community Impact Through Strategy
In 2024, Berry was named Delaware Business Times’ Small For-Profit CEO of the Year. He has partnered with leaders across various regions, including Wilmington, Delaware; Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; and Salem County, New Jersey, to drive meaningful change. His approach involves bringing together diverse perspectives around national best-practice models and implementing them effectively.
“We don’t just want to write the report. We want to be there to actually get it done,” Berry emphasizes. His team follows a five-stage process: discover, design, implement, measure, and sustain. This structured approach allows for long-term impact and measurable outcomes.
A Journey of Growth and Innovation
Founded in 2017, Social Contract quickly gained recognition as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies, making the 2023 Inc. 5000 list. Berry leads the firm’s strategic growth, business, and financial operations. Over the years, he has witnessed the evolution of their processes and the maturation of their impact.
Berry’s connection to Wilmington University runs deep. As a former First Baseman on the university’s baseball team, he appreciates the personalized education the institution offers. “It’s a tailored, bespoke experience where you can learn exactly what you need to be successful,” he says.
Collaborating for Future Success
Berry is also working closely with WilmU’s College of Business to explore innovative solutions using artificial intelligence. He is collaborating with Dr. David Gomez, a Program Chair and Professor at the college, on projects involving AI automation and integration. The goal is to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in delivering services to governments and communities.
“Social Contract believes there’s a world in which we can do good and be good at the same time,” Berry states. He is actively looking to hire new talent and values the foundation provided by a WilmU education. His advice to graduates is simple: “You can utilize that foundation to do anything that you want to do.”
Opportunities for Aspiring Leaders
Wilmington University offers a wide range of accredited programs designed to prepare students for successful careers. With over 200 degree and certificate options, the university fosters a caring community that supports academic and personal growth. For those interested in becoming social champions like Ron Berry, the opportunities are vast and impactful.