Lori James, Executive Director

Lori James, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW-C

Lori James is a nationally recognized executive leader, scholar, ordained minister, and sought-after speaker with more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of leadership development, social justice, criminal legal reform, and faith-based advocacy. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD), where she leads a national organization representing more than 27,000 public defense professionals across all 50 states and U.S. territories, advancing equity, excellence, and systemic reform in public defense.

Dr. James holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies (2025). Her dissertation, Chains of Grace: The Church’s Call to Minister to Previously Incarcerated Individuals, examines the theological, pastoral, and psychosocial responsibilities of the Church in responding to mass incarceration and reentry, and proposes a trauma-informed, justice-oriented model of compassionate ministry grounded in Scripture, lived experience, and qualitative research. Her work bridges biblical theology, practical theology, social work, and restorative justice, centering the voices of formerly incarcerated individuals alongside clergy perspectives.

In addition to her doctoral training, Dr. James holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Morgan State University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C), seeking a DSW from Tulane University, studying women in leadership (anticipated graduation 2027).

Dr. James is also the President and CEO of Expand-NOW, LLC, a leadership development and consulting firm through which she provides executive coaching, keynote speaking, organizational development, and faith-informed leadership training to justice-centered organizations nationwide. She has taught at Towson University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland School of Social Work, and has authored and contributed to scholarly publications in social work, public health, criminal justice, and leadership.

A recipient of numerous honors, including the Gideon Hero Award and recognition as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women, Dr. James is widely respected for her ability to lead with clarity, courage, compassion, and conviction. Across every space she occupies—classroom, pulpit, boardroom, and community—she remains committed to advancing dignity, restoring humanity, and equipping leaders to serve boldly at the margins.