Lori James, Executive Director

Lori James, LCSW-C is a dynamic leader, educator, and clinician with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, training, organizational development, and leadership. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and her B.A. in Social Work from Morgan State University. Lori is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work at Tulane University School of Social Work, deepening her lifelong commitment to transformative leadership and justice-centered practice.

Lori’s expansive career includes program development, program management, collegiate instruction, and leadership and management training. She has served as faculty at several universities and has been a sought-after trainer and consultant in national and regional leadership, communication, and team-building programs. Previously, she was a part-time Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Studies and Community Development at Towson University.

Lori formerly served as the Director of Leadership and Program Development at the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, an agency with over 800 employees statewide. In that role, she led the agency’s social work division—including staff, consultants, and interns—and was instrumental in developing internal leadership and team development initiatives that fostered growth, collaboration, and mission-alignment across the organization. Lori is also a certified John Maxwell Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Facilitator, bringing a values-based approach to her work in both justice and nonprofit systems.

A published author and respected thought leader, Lori has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record—first in 2015 and again in May 2025, in recognition of her continued excellence and impact.