Michael L. James

Michael L. James was named Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO) in 2021. As CDEIO, he is responsible for overseeing system-wide diversity, equity and inclusion, multicultural affairs, and patient & volunteer services.

Prior to joining CHA, Michael was Senior Vice President of Human Resources for the Old Colony YMCA, where he was responsible for directing the development and implementation of association-wide policies and programs for 2,200 employees focused on performance management, leadership development, employee relations, training, talent acquisition and diversity, equity & inclusion in collaboration with the executive management team. He also served as Association Director of Human Resources for the YMCA of Greater Boston; CDO and Director of Inclusion, Mobility and Corporate Diversity at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; and principal of his own management consulting firm specializing in diversity, community relations and organizational change. Michael's prior roles include Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Community Relations at the Boston Architectural College (BAC); Chief of Equal Opportunity and Diversity at MBCR; leading human resources for a division of BAE Systems; and working in the financial industry for several years at BankBoston.

Michael's volunteer positions include serving as a strategic advisor and facilitator for the Northeast Human Resources Association and City-Wide Dialogues on Ethnic & Racial Diversity.

He holds an MBA from Suffolk University and a BA in psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He grew up in Boston and he is the proud husband to Charlotte and father to their three wonderful children.