About me
Dr. Lori James, PhD, LCSW-C, is the Executive Director of the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD), representing more than 27,000 public defense professionals nationwide to drive systemic legal reform. With over 30 years of experience spanning criminal legal reform, clinical social work, and faith-based advocacy, she also serves as the President and CEO of leadership consulting firm Expand-NOW, LLC. An ordained minister, scholar, and university educator, Dr. James holds a PhD in Biblical Studies focused on restorative justice, an MSW from the University of Maryland, and is a DSW candidate at Tulane University studying women in leadership. Her cross-disciplinary leadership has earned her numerous honors, including the Gideon Hero Award and recognition as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.
