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Public Leader · Educator · Speaker · Financial Professional

James Earl
Hollywood III

Working at the intersection of community, policy, and leadership, helping institutions move from intention to action.

Portrait of James Earl Hollywood III
10+ years in public service & education Statewide Leader, NAMI Maryland Founder & CEO, Hollywood Enterprise & Associates Founder, Together for You

In partnership with leaders and institutions across the U.S. and around the world

NAMI Maryland Annie E. Casey Foundation Coalition for Juvenile Justice University of Baltimore State of Maryland YOUNGO · UNFCCC Global Council on Boys and Men
10+Years in public service & education
4Continents of partners & coalitions
15+Boards & coalitions served
2Organizations founded & led
What I Do

I work across public service, education, and community spaces to strengthen leadership, support people-centered systems, and help institutions move from intention to action.

My work is shaped by lived experience, professional leadership, and a commitment to service in complex environments.

I have partnered with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to support initiatives that strengthen programs, improve outcomes, and navigate complex challenges with clarity and purpose.

Across rural and urban communities alike, I focus on aligning people, systems, and resources toward outcomes that matter, while remaining attentive to context, lived experience, and long-term sustainability.

Areas of Focus

Where leadership, service, and lived experience come together.

01

Youth, Families & Community Well-Being

Advancing solutions that support young people, strengthen families, and build safer, healthier communities through prevention, education, and connection.

02

Public Service & Systems

Helping public agencies and mission-driven organizations align strategy with execution across education, health, safety, and policy.

03

Speaking, Teaching & Convening

Engaging audiences through keynotes, workshops, classrooms, and panels that connect research, lived experience, and practical action.

Leadership in Action

The work, partnerships, and communities I've been honored to serve.

A snapshot of service across public agencies, classrooms, pulpits, and community spaces.

What People Say

Trusted by the leaders and communities he serves.

Words from partners, organizers, and colleagues across public service, education, and community work.

James brought clarity and heart to our convening. He met our team where we were and left us with a plan we could actually act on.
One of the most grounded and compelling speakers we have hosted. Our audience was still talking about his message weeks later.
He listens first, then leads. James helped us move a stalled initiative from intention to real, measurable progress.
James Earl Hollywood III
James Earl Hollywood III Baltimore, MD · Minister · Public Leader
About James

Leadership grounded in service, responsibility, and lived experience.

Overview

I am a public leader, educator, and speaker based in Baltimore, Maryland, with over a decade of experience working across public service, education, mental health, and community systems. My work focuses on leadership, accountability, and helping institutions and communities move from intention to action.

Leadership & Perspective

My approach is grounded in responsibility, collaboration, and execution. I believe meaningful change requires both vision and follow-through: clear goals paired with practical action. Originally from Caruthersville, Missouri, and shaped by twelve years in rural Arkansas, my experience spans rural and urban communities, policy-informed environments, and mission-driven organizations.

Reach & Partnerships

I currently serve as a Statewide Leader at NAMI Maryland, expanding mental health support, advocacy, and access across the state. I have partnered with national organizations including the Coalition for Juvenile Justice and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and have taught as a professor at the University of Baltimore and Anne Arundel Community College.

Personal Context & Current Work

I am guided by a strong commitment to family, faith, and service. A husband, minister, and father of nine, I currently serve as Founder and CEO of Hollywood Enterprise & Associates, a consulting firm supporting public agencies and nonprofits with strategy, implementation, and organizational strengthening, and as Founder of Together for You, a nonprofit focused on youth, families, and community well-being.

Education & Lifelong Learning

  • Ph.D.Public Policy, University of Maryland · In progress, 2027
  • Ph.D.Social Leadership, Omega Graduate School · In progress, 2026
  • Grad. Cert.Nonprofit Management & Leadership, University of Maryland · 2026
  • C.A.G.S.Sociology, Omega Graduate School · 2024
  • Cert.Implementation Science Practice, UNC Chapel Hill · 2023
  • M.S.Strategic Communications, Arkansas State University · 2021
  • M.P.A.Public Administration, Arkansas State University · 2017
  • B.A.Criminology / Pre-Law, Arkansas State University · 2013

Currently pursuing a dual doctorate in Public Policy and Social Leadership.

Ventures & Affiliations

Hollywood Enterprise & Associates, LLCConsulting · strategy & implementation Together for You, Inc.Nonprofit · youth, families & community
NAMI MarylandStatewide mental health leadership & advocacy
HAVIICommunity venture
Hollywood All-Star Fitness, LLCFitness & wellness venture
Service & Board Leadership

Service that spans the block to the global stage.

Selected current appointments across state government, nonprofit boards, and national and international coalitions.

Maryland & Public Service

  • Climate Advisory CouncilOffice of the Comptroller, State of Maryland · Advisor
  • Family Advisory CouncilMaryland State Dept. of Education · Advisor
  • Howard County Public School SystemAdvisory Committee
  • MLK Jr. Holiday CommissionHoward County · Vice Chair
  • Maryland Civic Education CoalitionSteering Committee

Boards & Nonprofits

  • NAMI MarylandBoard Member · Public Policy & Finance
  • Pro Bono Resource Center of MarylandBoard Member
  • Arkansas Head Start Collaboration OfficeVice President, Board Member
  • Global Council on Boys and MenChairperson
  • BearapyFounding Board Member

National & Global

  • Coalition for Juvenile JusticeTreasurer / Secretary
  • ABFE, Black CommunitiesPhilanthropic Partnership · Member
  • YOUNGO (UNFCCC)Climate Delegate
  • LCOY USAUSA Delegate
  • Global Mental Health TaskforceMember

A selection of current roles. Service also spans the American Bar Association, Catalyst Now, CrowdBoard, YOUCAN Global, and more.

Speaking & Events

Lived experience, research-driven insight, and heartfelt purpose for every audience.

Whether on stage, in the pulpit, or at a town hall, my engagements are grounded in service and real-world impact, with a message that inspires, equips, and unites.

Download Speaker One-Sheet
Building safer communities

Building Safer Communities

From local violence prevention to housing, workforce, and real public safety.

Mental health and community healing

Mental Health & Community Healing

Breaking stigma, building awareness, connecting people to hope.

Youth justice and system reform

Youth Justice & System Reform

Shifting narratives. Building pathways. Keeping young people out of harm's way.

Faith, leadership and family

Faith, Leadership & Family

Values that anchor strong people and stronger communities.

Public service and civic engagement

Public Service & Civic Engagement

Local leadership, participation, and the work of self-government.

FAQ

A few things to know before you reach out.

Speaking engagements (keynotes, workshops, panels, faith gatherings, classrooms), consulting projects with public agencies and nonprofits, and board or advisory roles. Share your details through the form and I'll follow up directly.

Four to eight weeks is ideal for speaking and consulting engagements. Shorter timelines are sometimes possible, so reach out even if your need is soon.

Yes, he is based in Baltimore, Maryland and available for in-person and virtual engagements nationally and internationally. Fees vary by format and scope, with accommodations for nonprofit and community organizations.

Get in Touch

Start a conversation, or book James to speak.

Tell me a little about your event, organization, or initiative. I read every message personally and aim to respond within a few business days.

Schedule a meeting directly Grab a time on James's calendar — no back-and-forth.
Speaking & Engagements

Book James to Speak

Keynotes, workshops, panels, classrooms, and pulpits. Share the details and I'll follow up with availability.

General Inquiry

Start a Conversation

Consulting, partnerships, media, or a question. Reach out and let's connect.

Prefer email? Write me directly at contact@jamesearlhollywood.com

Follow Along

The work, in real time.

Stories from the community, speaking moments, and the conversations shaping safer, healthier, more hopeful places, shared as it happens.

36K+following on Instagram @jamesehollywood