Mayor Adams Appoints James Stratford as Executive Director of New York City Young Men's Initiative

December 17, 2024

NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of James Stratford as the executive director of the New York City Young Men's Initiative. Stratford brings to the role over two decades of experience within the nonprofit and youth development space. A native New Yorker, Stratford grew up participating in city-led programs such as the Summer Youth Employment Program and will use his own lived experience to help oversee the Young Men's Initiative.

"In our administration, we are led by New Yorkers who bring their full lived experience to move their agencies and offices forward, use their personal story to create better policies, and, ultimately, build a stronger city - and James Stratford is no exception," said Mayor Adams. "A product of city agencies and youth development nonprofit, James' own personal journey will inform and shape his leadership as the next executive director of the Young Men's Initiative. With over two decades of experience working in nonprofits, James also brings the work experience needed to ensure all young people can thrive in the greatest city on the globe."

"I am thrilled to welcome James Stratford as the executive director of the Young Men's Initiative," said New York City Chief Equity Officer and Mayor's Office of Equity and Racial Justice (MOERJ) Commissioner Sideya Sherman. "James has a strong track record of championing underserved communities and leveraging his lived experience and exceptional leadership skills to drive meaningful change. His dedication to helping young people overcome obstacles and realize their full potential is truly inspiring. I am excited to see his leadership and vision continue to uplift and inspire communities across our city through the vital work of YMI."

"Growing up in the Bronx, I experienced firsthand the transformative power of opportunity, mentorship, and support. As the new executive director of the Young Men's Initiative, I am honored to lead this critical work and build on a legacy that has impacted so many lives across our city," said Young Men's Initiative Executive Director James Stratford. "Together, with our community partners and the Mayor's Office of Equity and Racial Justice, we will work tirelessly to ensure youth, especially young men of color across New York City, have access to the resources, opportunities, and encouragement they need to succeed. I am very excited to be bringing my skillset over to the Young Men's Initiative - working to inspire, empower, and unlock the full potential of our city's future leaders."

Young Men's Initiative, an office within the New York City Mayor's Office of Equity & Racial Justice, is a public-private partnership focused on addressing disparities among young men of color, aged 14 to 26, in education, employment, health, and justice. Since its 2011 inception, the Young Men's Initiative has developed programs and supported policies that empower young men of color to thrive in New York City. Under Stratford's leadership, the Young Men's Initiative will continue investing nearly $30 million annually in high-impact programming to address disparities experienced by young men of color. Interested New Yorkers can learn more about the opportunities available for young people to enhance their lives on the Young Men's Initiative website.
Earlier this year, Mayor Adams launched a companion office to the Young Men's Initiative, NYC Her Future, as part of "Women Forward NYC: An Action Plan for Gender Equity," a $43 million initiative aimed at making New York City a national leader in gender equity. Both offices are critical to the city's broader efforts to build a more just and inclusive future for all young people.

About James Stratford
James Stratford is a native New Yorker born and raised in the Bronx. Before being appointed executive director at the New York City Young Men's Initiative, Stratford served as the chief strategy officer and senior advisor to the chief executive officer at FAN4Kids, a non-profit organization focused on addressing the growing rate of childhood obesity, its related health concerns, and the lack of coordinated, simple solutions to the growing problem. In this role, he provided leadership on governance, programs, operations, and strategic planning.

Prior to that, Stratford was senior executive leadership consultant at A Second Chance Inc., the largest provider of Kinship Foster Care services in Pennsylvania. He managed a $50 million annual budget, led senior teams, and oversaw strategic initiatives, partnerships, and resource allocations to drive organizational impact and growth. For 10 years, Stratford was at Phipps Neighborhoods, the same non-profit where he was a childhood participant, and oversaw programs in youth services.
Stratford is a 2024 Coro Leadership New York Fellow and a 2023 American Express Global Leadership Academy Fellow. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government from Elizabeth City State University and is a graduate of New York University Wagner's Executive Master of Public Administration program.

Stratford will report to New York City Chief Equity Officer and Commissioner Sideya Sherman.

"Congratulations to the eminently qualified James Stratford on his appointment as executive director of the Young Men's Initiative," said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. "Someone dedicated to justice and equality, James Stratford will bring to the job over two decades of experience in nonprofits and youth empowerment, as well as his life experience partaking in city programs. Under his leadership, YMI will continue its outstanding work to uplift young men of color through mentoring, education, career programs, and life coaching. Together, we will fight for a city that supports all New Yorkers."

"Having been in the same Executive Master of Public Administration cohort with James Stratford at New York University Wagner, I can confidently say that his leadership skills, intellect, and passion for creating meaningful change are unparalleled," said Primo Lasana, executive director, Reading Partners. "James is a brilliant strategist, and a collaborative and empathetic teammate who always brings out the best in those around him. As he steps into his new role at the New York City Young Men's Initiative, I have no doubt he will leverage his experience and vision to create transformative opportunities for young men of color. New York City couldn't ask for a better advocate and leader."

"As a Coro Fellow, James demonstrated exceptional insight, resilience, and a collaborative spirit that made him a standout among his peers. His ability to navigate complex challenges with integrity and creativity leaves no doubt in my mind that he will lead the New York City Young Men's Initiative to new heights," said Garrett Lucien, executive director, Coro New York Leadership Center. "James' work ethic, combined with his thoughtful leadership style, sets him apart as someone who not only inspires action, but also ensures sustainable outcomes. His capacity to balance big-picture vision with attention to detail is remarkable, and I am confident he will leave an indelible mark on New York City's future leaders."

"James Stratford's unwavering commitment to equity and strategic leadership transformed FAN4Kids during his tenure as chief strategy officer," said Robert Oliver, CEO and founder, FAN4Kids. "His vision for broadening our impactful programs and fostering meaningful partnerships is unparalleled. Beyond his exceptional strategic acumen, James has an incredible ability to connect with individuals at every level-whether board members, staff, or the communities we serve. His passion for creating opportunities for underserved populations shines through in everything he does. The New York City Young Men's Initiative is gaining not just a leader, but a trailblazer who will undoubtedly inspire and empower young men of color across New York City. I am excited to see the profound impact he will make in this pivotal role."

"During his tenure as managing director of community and school partnerships at Phipps Neighborhoods, James Stratford demonstrated a remarkable ability to forge meaningful connections between diverse stakeholders while driving impactful initiatives," said Andre White, executive director and CEO, Phipps Neighborhoods. "His leadership resulted in stronger partnerships, innovative programs, and improved outcomes for the communities we served. James's passion for equity and his strategic mindset were instrumental in creating opportunities that empowered young people to thrive. His dedication to uplifting underserved populations is both inspiring and transformative. I am confident that James will bring the same level of excellence, compassion, and vision to the New York City Young Men's Initiative, ensuring its continued success and growth."

"The American Express Leadership Academy champions nonprofit leaders who are purpose-driven, collaborative, and dedicated to creating positive change in their communities," said Adirupa Sengupta, group chief executive officer, Common Purpose. "As an alumnus of this program, James Stratford has shown a commitment to tackling complex challenges and fostering impactful solutions. We are excited to see him step into his new role with the New York City Young Men's Initiative and look forward to the contributions he will make in this important work."

###