James Kallusky, Ed.D.

Dr. James Kallusky has devoted his career to one core belief: when young people face chronic trauma and adversity without support, their futures can unravel in an instant, but with the right guidance, they can rise with resilience, purpose, and possibility. This conviction has shaped 35 years of work helping youth overcome hardship, stay connected to caring communities, and build pathways toward brighter futures.

James has served in nearly every role across the youth development ecosystem: community program leader, teacher, professor, author, government advisor, and nonprofit executive. He has worked directly with expelled students, teen parents, gang involved youth, and young people in the juvenile justice system. As an academic, he went on to create the nation’s first BA and MA degree programs in Sport and Community Development, and his book Youth Development and Physical Activity is used in universities around the world.

Before joining Fight For Children, James served as Chief Operating Officer at Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, where he helped guide the organization through a period of strategic growth and deeper national impact. He has also held senior roles as Deputy Director at the Clinton Foundation, Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Coach Across America, and as a tenured professor at California State University, Los Angeles.

Outside of work, James enjoys family time, motorsports, and gardening.