The Unexpected Life Of William Bumpus Jr.: 7 Must-Know Facts About Gayle King's Son, His CEO Wife, And New Family News

William Bumpus Jr. has quietly forged a powerful career path in social impact and venture capital, stepping out of the shadow of his famous mother, media icon Gayle King. As of December 18, 2025, the most exciting and recent news surrounding his life is the announcement that he and his accomplished wife, Elise Smith, are expecting their first child, a revelation that has thrilled his entire family and made his mother a first-time grandmother. This milestone is the latest chapter in a life defined by high-profile family connections, significant professional achievements, and a commitment to creating equitable opportunities.

The public's curiosity about William Bumpus Jr. often stems from his connection to the "CBS Mornings" co-host and her best friend, Oprah Winfrey. However, a deeper look reveals a professional dedicated to leveraging capital and technology for social good, a journey that culminated in a stunning 2024 wedding and a new, highly anticipated role as a father.

William Bumpus Jr. Complete Biography and Profile

• Full Name: William Bumpus Jr.
• Date of Birth: June 15, 1980 (Approximate)
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 45 Years Old
• Place of Birth: United States
• Nationality: American
• Parents: Gayle King (Mother, Television Personality) and William Bumpus Sr. (Father, Attorney)
• Sibling: Kirby Bumpus (Sister)
• Godmother: Oprah Winfrey
• Spouse: Elise Smith (Married June 2, 2024)
• Children: Expecting first child (as of late 2025)
• Education: Details kept private, but is a qualified Attorney.
• Career: Venture Capital Partner, Non-profit Founder, Attorney.
• Current Roles: Partner at Concrete Rose Capital, Managing Partner at Phoenix Rising, Founder of reWerk.

The Power Couple: Marriage to CEO Elise Smith and Grandparent News

The marriage of William Bumpus Jr. to Elise Smith in June 2024 was a significant event that captivated the media, not least because of the intimate venue: the California home of his godmother, Oprah Winfrey. The wedding was a beautiful, private affair, celebrating the union of two people who share a profound commitment to social impact and equity.

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The Wedding at Oprah's Home

The nuptials were confirmed by Gayle King herself shortly after the event, where she affectionately referred to Elise as her "new favorite daughter-in-law." The ceremony was a testament to the close-knit family circle, with Oprah Winfrey playing a central role as the host. The event garnered congratulations from numerous high-profile figures, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Kerry Washington, highlighting the family's deep connections within the entertainment and business worlds.

Elise Smith: A Force in Tech and DEI

Elise Smith is a powerful figure in her own right, serving as the Co-founder and CEO of Praxis Labs. Her company is a pioneering DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) learning platform that utilizes virtual reality technology to help organizations foster more equitable and inclusive workplaces. Her work in using immersive learning experiences to drive meaningful change perfectly aligns with William’s own focus on social impact through investment and non-profit work, making them a formidable power couple in the social entrepreneurship space.

Gayle King Becomes a Grandmother

In a moment that Gayle King described as "breaking news," the family announced in late 2025 that William and Elise are expecting their first child. This joyous news marks the first grandchild for the veteran journalist and adds a new layer of excitement to the Bumpus-King family. The anticipation of the new baby has been a central topic for the family, further cementing the couple's status as a major focus of positive media attention.

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From Attorney to Venture Capital: William's Professional Journey and Social Impact

While often introduced as the son of Gayle King, William Bumpus Jr.'s professional life is marked by a deep involvement in finance, technology, and social justice. His career trajectory demonstrates a clear shift from traditional law to the cutting-edge intersection of capital and community development.

Partner at Concrete Rose Capital

Today, William is a recognized Partner at Concrete Rose Capital, a venture capital firm with a distinctive mission. The firm focuses on investing in companies led by underrepresented founders and those whose products and services are designed to create wealth and opportunity for marginalized communities. His role here is pivotal, allowing him to directly influence the allocation of capital to foster economic equity and positive social impact at scale.

Founding the Non-Profit reWerk

Further showcasing his commitment to social good, William founded the non-profit organization reWerk. Initiated partly in response to the social and economic disruptions of the 2020 pandemic, reWerk is dedicated to creating more equitable opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. The organization's focus on workforce development and inclusion complements the investment strategies he pursues at Concrete Rose Capital, creating a holistic approach to systemic change.

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Other Key Career Entities

Before his current roles, William Bumpus Jr. gained valuable experience in other prominent organizations. He is also listed as a Managing Partner at Phoenix Rising and has prior experience with Headspace, a company known for its focus on mental health and well-being. This diverse background in law, non-profit management, and venture capital provides him with a unique perspective, enabling him to navigate complex issues of business and social responsibility with expertise.

Topical Authority and Key Entities in William Bumpus Jr.'s World

The life of William Bumpus Jr. is intertwined with a network of high-achieving individuals and influential organizations. Understanding these connections is essential to grasping the full scope of his influence and the environment he operates in. The following entities are central to his narrative:

• Gayle King: His mother, a co-host of "CBS Mornings" and editor-at-large for *O, The Oprah Magazine*.
• Oprah Winfrey: His godmother, a media mogul, and the host of his 2024 wedding.
• Elise Smith: His wife, the accomplished CEO of Praxis Labs, a leader in DEI and virtual reality training.
• William Bumpus Sr.: His father, a respected attorney whose career set an early example of professional success.
• Kirby Bumpus: His sister, who also maintains a successful career, often appearing alongside her mother.
• Concrete Rose Capital: The venture capital firm where William serves as a Partner, focusing on equitable investment.
• reWerk: The non-profit he founded to create equitable opportunities for marginalized communities.
• Praxis Labs: Elise Smith's company, a tech leader in immersive DEI learning.
• Phoenix Rising: Another entity where William holds a Managing Partner role.
• Headspace: A former professional affiliation, connecting him to the wellness and tech sectors.
• Social Impact Investing: The core philosophy guiding his work at Concrete Rose.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): A central theme in both his and his wife's professional endeavors.
• Venture Capital: The financial industry sector he currently operates within.
• CBS Mornings: The show where his mother, Gayle King, often shares family news and updates.
• Immersive Learning: The virtual reality technology leveraged by his wife's company, Praxis Labs.
• Workforce Development: A key focus area for his non-profit, reWerk.
• California: The location of his wedding, held at Oprah Winfrey's home.

William Bumpus Jr. is more than just a famous offspring; he is a dedicated professional, a venture capital partner, a social entrepreneur, and now, a soon-to-be father. His commitment to driving positive change through both non-profit work and strategic investment firmly establishes him as a notable figure in his own right, continuing a family legacy of influence and purpose.