Donna Walker James is Computer CORE’s New Executive Director, Starting August 15

Alexandria, VA – In a press release issued today, Computer CORE has announced the appointment of Donna Walker James as Executive Director. Adam Schau, President of Computer CORE Board of Directors said, “We are especially pleased to have Donna start now as our organization is preparing to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Computer CORE in November this year.  Donna brings the passion, energy, and expertise that we need to lead Computer CORE into our next 20 years.”

Katherine Morrison, President of Morrison Nonprofit Transitions, led the executive director search and added her observation that “Donna literally wrote the book on workforce development,” referring to James’ publications for the American Youth Policy Forum on education programs with positive outcomes including workforce connectedness. “She will bring excellent depth of knowledge to CORE’s work reducing the gap between employer needs and the skills of local job seekers.”

James starts with CORE on August 15, 2019, just prior to the organization’s Flagship program start date of September 3rd.  She currently holds the position of Programs Coordinator at Goodwin House Foundation. Previously, James was Executive Director of Agenda:Alexandria, Deputy Director of Senior Services of Alexandria, and Acting Executive Director of Volunteer Alexandria. James serves as treasurer on the boards of Living Legends of Alexandria and Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria, and is involved with First Night Alexandria. She is a graduate of T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA, and earned her BA in Urban Studies and Masters in Education at the University of Pennsylvania.

James follows Computer CORE founder Deb Roepke and Lynn O’Connell who each served as Executive Director for ten years. James “thanks both these women for leading the way, as well as Katherine Morrison and Julie Meyer who held Interim executive director positions during CORE’s transitions.”