James Howard comes from a family of community resident leaders. His father and sisters volunteered or served on the board of Pasadena Neighborhood Housing Services (PNHS), the same organization that James himself chaired until March of this year. Showing true leadership during a tumultuous time when NHS staff members were temporarily furloughed, he recruited volunteers to assume administrative tasks to keep the organization running. Along with his board treasurer and with board support, James rebuilt the foundation and the reputation of PNHS as a strong community organization, initiated a new strategic planning process, and helped to recruit and select a new executive director, Patricia Duff Tucker. Tucker says, “James grew as a leader as he met each challenge of these difficult years. He is a shining example of a resident leader who devotes himself to his community and will overcome all obstacles in its defense.”

 

A lifelong resident of Pasadena , James's volunteer efforts go beyond the administrative leadership of NHS. He is a deacon of his church, has been active with his elementary and high schools, president of the Lincoln Avenue Political Action Committee and chair of the Lincoln Avenue Steering Committee. He continues to be active with Pasadena NHS, recruiting more resident leaders—and first-time homebuyers—into board positions.

 

James is the scholarship/work-study coordinator at California State University, Los Angeles. He is the father of a 16-year-old daughter.