James Tolliver

James Tolliver is a global ambassador for Inclusion.

Recognized as an award-winning philanthropic strategist and a trained organizational development practitioner, James has boldly advocated and led large-scaled, D&I programs for both the public and private sector. James’ championing of underrepresented talent in areas such as Conservation, Engineering, Higher/Graduate Education, Hospitality and Financial Services have helped usher in an improved narrative and shaping of a changing landscape of the American Workforce. A solutions provider for over a quarter a century, James’ contributions and impact to the market are not only relegated within the US borders, but internationally in markets such as Australia, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico & South America.

James was appointed to lead the integration of a robust, philanthropic operating model and currently serves as the Chief of Staff and Chief Development Officer at INROADS, one of the nation’s largest and oldest convenor of workforce and leadership development for diverse talent. The shift in governance spurred significant improvements in revenue generation decreasing volatility and risk while simultaneously innovating programmatic performance – more specifically crafted to offer customized, organizational solutions.

James’ leadership and experience are extensive. He has provided leadership as interim CEO, President, Chief of Staff, Chief Development Officer (of two, national organizations), inaugural Director of Corporate Relations and Director of Development and Field Director. James is also the Founder of Leaven Solutions, a unique consulting collaborative offering customized services primarily to churches, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and small businesses.

James is a graduate of Appalachian State University and the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte. His board leadership has included serving on the National Committee of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Chair, Student Support Services, Governance Co-Chair & Board Member, Foundation Board and NPHC Plots & Sub-Committee Chair, NPHC Plots & Garden Committee all at Appalachian State University; Trustee, Lake Norman Montessori School; Member, Fund Allocation Board at United Way of Central Carolinas; and Chair of the Interact Clubs, Dunwoody (GA) and Charlotte (NC) Rotary Clubs; Board Chair, Arthur Wylie Entrepreneurship Foundation, and past member of CASE, AFP, and CODNET. James is also a noted youth speaker and has more than 20 published articles as a reporter.