artist | ENTREPRENEUR | producer

Rodney Sharard Whitley is a visionary producer, director, and worship arts leader whose work sits at the intersection of ministry, music, and professional production. Recognized for his ability to transform creative vision into powerful, high-quality experiences, he has built a reputation for delivering productions that blend artistic excellence, spiritual depth, and modern media innovation.

A graduate of the Baltimore School for the Performing Arts and the University of Maryland, Whitley serves as Minister of Worship & Arts at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. James E. Victor, Jr. In this role, he produces and directs dynamic worship experiences presented both in person and through broadcast and streaming platforms. He leads the church’s music ministry, liturgical dance, drama, and audio-visual production teams, creating worship environments that engage audiences both in the sanctuary and around the world.

Beyond the local church, Whitley is a sought-after production consultant and creative strategist, helping ministries and organizations design worship and event experiences that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital and performance landscape. His expertise includes production design, audio-visual implementation, digital engagement strategy, and creative direction for large-scale events.

Since 2015, he has served as Assistant to the Musical Director for the Hampton Ministers’ Conference, one of the nation’s premier gatherings of church leaders and musicians. He has also contributed as an organist and clinician for leading organizations including the Gospel Music Workshop of America, the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Inc., and the Church Music Summit. As a former member of the Board of Directors for the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Whitley produced and directed the organization’s 2020 Virtual Convention and led the production and digital distribution of its 2020 Christmas presentation.

His production portfolio spans major conferences, national award ceremonies, theatrical productions, and historic religious gatherings. He has served on music and production teams for the Children’s Defense Fund Annual Conference, the 2019 Revival of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington featuring Bishop Michael Curry, gala celebrations at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts honoring a former President of the United States, and national award events such as the Black Engineer of the Year Awards and the Women of Color S.T.E.M. Awards, where he served as musical director. His theatrical work also includes involvement with the acclaimed stage production God Is Trying to Tell You Something! and numerous regional productions.

In addition to his leadership behind the scenes, Whitley is an accomplished baritone/bass vocalist whose performances have taken him across the globe, including England, Wales, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, China, Israel, and Italy. He has also led choirs on multiple concert tours throughout Israel, with performances in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Nazareth.

Through his work as a creative director, musician, and ministry leader, Rodney Sharard Whitley continues to shape the future of worship arts and live production, bringing together faith, culture, and artistry to create experiences that resonate far beyond the stage.