Kirk A. James
Member of The Fortune Society Board of Directors

Mr. James currently teaches social work at the College of New Rochelle, and will be completing his Doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania in 2013.  His prior professional experience includes: Catholic Charities/Brooklyn Community Center, Program Manager/Site Supervisor (2009-2010); The College Initiative – Reentry Program, Associate Director of Outreach (2007-2009); The Doe Fund, Per-Diem Resident Manager (2006-2008); The Bowery Residence Committee, Inc., Team Leader/Supervisor (2004-2007); and much more.  Mr. James is also the Founder of the Community Outreach Prison Experience, which provides guidance and mentorship for youth in contact with the criminal justice system.  As a facilitator with this organization, Mr. James ran workshops for teens dealing with issues such as decision-making, substance abuse, and crime and consequence.

Mr. James is also a well-respected public speaker, and has been invited to speak at events and for groups that include: Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns 2nd Chance Forum; the New York State Standing Committee on Correction, Social Services, and Housing; the CUNY Black Male Initiative at York College; the New York State Social Workers Education Association Annual Conference; the New York State Commission on Sentencing Reform; the 2007 International Drug Policy Reform Conference; and many more.  Mr. James holds a Masters in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from CUNY, Hunter College and an Associate of Arts Degree from the Canisius College of Buffalo, NY.