Walter James

Walter James is an experienced public health and humanitarian professional currently serving as the Planning Director State for the Minnesota Department of Health, focusing on public health and healthcare emergency preparedness since March 2022. Prior to this role, Walter managed critical care coordination for Fairview Health Services during the COVID-19 response and held leadership positions with Americares and ZOA, addressing the Venezuelan Migrant Crisis in Colombia and coordinating emergency response efforts in Syria, respectively. Walter's extensive background also includes logistics coordination for Hurricane Irma and Maria responses in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, as well as various senior program management roles at the American Refugee Committee, supporting displaced populations across multiple countries. Walter holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies, and a Master of Public Administration in Public Policy Analysis.