Basic Information
| Name | Rodman Clark Rockefeller |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | May 2, 1932 |
| Deathdate | May 14, 2000 |
| Education | Deerfield Academy; Dartmouth College; Columbia Business School MBA |
| Spouse | Barbara Ann Olsen |
| Spouse | Alexandra von Metzler |
| Children | Meile Louise Rockefeller, Peter C. Rockefeller, Stuart Rockefeller, Michael Rockefeller |
| Careerroles | Vice President and CEO at International Basic Economy Corporation; Chair of Arbor Acres Farm |
| Honors | Order of the Aztec Eagle |
Rodman C. Rockefeller: Life and Career
Rodman Clark Rockefeller was born May 2, 1932 in Manhattan and died May 14, 2000. He graduated from Deerfield Academy (1950), Dartmouth College (B.A., 1954), and Columbia Business School (MBA, 1956). He married Barbara Ann Olsen in 1953 (four children) and wed Alexandra von Metzler in 1980.
Business Achievements
Rodman joined International Basic Economy Corporation (IBEC) in 1957, became vice president in 1968, and served as CEO from 1972 to 1980. He co‑chaired the Mexico–U.S. Business Committee (1973–1980), laying groundwork for NAFTA. From 1980 to 1985 he chaired Arbor Acres Farm, leading advances in poultry genetics.
| Role | Organization | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Vice President | IBEC | 1968–1972 |
| Chief Executive Officer | IBEC | 1972–1980 |
| Co‑Chair | Mexico–U.S. Business Committee | 1973–1980 |
| Chairman | Arbor Acres Farm | 1980–1985 |
| Trustee/Board Member | Rockefeller Brothers Fund et al. | 1970–2000 |
He received Mexico’s Order of the Aztec Eagle in 1979 for fostering bilateral trade.
Family Lineage and Profiles
Rodman’s four children and extended relatives continue the Rockefeller tradition of public service and activism.
| Name | Born | Role & Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Meile Louise Rockefeller | 1955 | Lawyer, real‑estate developer, drug‑law reform activist (2002 protest) |
| Peter C. Rockefeller | 1958* | Married environmental philanthropist Allison Whipple in 1987 |
| Stuart Rockefeller | 1960* | Participated in 2002 drug‑law protest |
| Michael Rockefeller | 1964* | Vanished near New Guinea in 1961, prompting ongoing mystery |
*Approximate birth years based on family chronology.
Family Wealth and Influence
The Rockefeller dynasty traces its fortune to John D. Rockefeller’s 1913 peak net worth of $409 billion (inflation‐adjusted). By 2024, family assets total approximately $10.3 billion, managed through diversified trusts. Foundations have divested from fossil fuels and spearheaded global environmental initiatives.
Recent Highlights
- Pocantico Hills Estate Listing (2025): Rodman’s 1972 Mid‑Century Modern home lists for $12 million, drawing design aficionados.
- Michael Rockefeller Coverage: Media outlets revisit theories surrounding Michael’s 1961 disappearance in New Guinea.
- Philanthropic Shifts: Rockefeller foundations reaffirm sustainable investment strategies, accelerating divestment from fossil‑fuel industries.
FAQ
Who was Rodman C. Rockefeller?
He was the eldest son of Nelson A. Rockefeller, served as CEO of IBEC (1972–1980), and championed U.S.–Mexico trade relations.
What major honors did he receive?
He earned Mexico’s Order of the Aztec Eagle in 1979 for his contributions to bilateral economic development.
Who are Rodman’s children?
His children include Meile, Peter C., Stuart, and Michael Rockefeller, all of whom have maintained varying public profiles.
What happened to Michael Rockefeller?
Michael disappeared in 1961 near New Guinea, and his fate remains an unresolved mystery.
How has the Rockefeller fortune evolved?
From John D. Rockefeller’s 1913 peak of $409 billion (today’s dollars), the family wealth stands near $10.3 billion in 2024, managed through trusts and diversified investments.
References
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodman_Rockefeller | Rodman C. Rockefeller’s birth (May 2, 1932), education (Deerfield Academy, Dartmouth, Columbia MBA), and leadership roles at IBEC and various philanthropic boards. |
| https://www.amazon.com/Company-Mission-Rockefeller-International-Corporation/dp/0972887423 | Kenneth D. Durr’s *A Company with a Mission* details Rodman Rockefeller’s professional legacy at the International Basic Economy Corporation (1947–1985). |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meile_Rockefeller | Meile Louise Rockefeller’s education (BA in political economics from Williams College, JD from NYU), career as lawyer and real‑estate developer, and 2002 protest arrest over Rockefeller drug laws. |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allison_Whipple_Rockefeller | Allison Hall Whipple’s background as a Hamilton College graduate and environmental philanthropist, and her 1987 marriage to Peter C. Rockefeller. |
| https://www.yahoo.com/news/rockefeller-heir-vanished-tribal-waters-120024772.html | Coverage of Michael Rockefeller’s 1961 disappearance near New Guinea, renewed in 2024 with theories ranging from tribal conflict to accidental drowning. |
| https://www.ranker.com/list/members-of-the-rockefeller-family/reference | John D. Rockefeller’s peak 1913 net worth estimated at 409 billion (today’s dollars), illustrating the dynasty’s historical wealth. |
| https://www.investopedia.com/rockefeller-usd900-million-legacy-what-happened-11701780 | As of 2024, the Rockefeller family fortune is estimated at 10.3 billion, managed through trusts and diversified family offices. |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockefeller_family | The Rockefeller family’s divestment from fossil fuels and increased focus on environmental philanthropy. |
| https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/a-rockefellers-mid-century-modern-home-in-tarrytown-new-york-lists-for-12-million-3c8dfb84 | Rodman Rockefeller’s Pocantico Hills Mid‑Century Modern home, built in 1972, listed for 12 million in April 2025. |
| https://archive.org/details/companywithmissi0000durr | Archive.org record of *A Company with a Mission*, providing archival access to research on Rodman Rockefeller’s IBEC tenure. |
| https://dimes.rockarch.org/collections/YKWWGcDJ4MY8NGNbFMWvxv | Rockefeller Archive Center’s DIMES catalog entry for the Rodman C. Rockefeller papers and correspondence collection. |
