Local community and business leaders work together to advance our mission to ensure public schools are places all students can thrive.
James is a seasoned executive with over 22 years of leadership experience, including more than 15 years in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He recently joined BECU as Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, where he leads efforts to create an inclusive and equitable environment for employees, members, and communities. James drives DEI strategies that align with BECU’s mission to improve the financial well-being of its diverse membership, foster an inclusive workplace for employees, and deliver financial products, services, and educational outreach that support the goals and success of its members, employees, and the broader communities BECU serves.
Before joining BECU, James was the Director of DEI, Recognition, and Engagement at Alaska Airlines, where he developed and implemented DEI initiatives that created inclusive business practices, enhancing the experience for all guests and driving employee engagement, development, and retention. He worked to integrate DEI into all aspects of the business, from customer interactions to internal operations, ensuring that both employees and customers felt valued and supported. James also served as Director of Inclusion, Equity & Diversity at Ste. Michelle Estates, where he shaped DEI strategies for its wineries across Washington, Oregon, and California.
Earlier in his career, James spent over 10 years leading DEI efforts at Nordstrom, covering the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, where he worked to create inclusive environments for employees and customers and integrated DEI into all business operations. James also has operational leadership experience, having served as a District Manager at Starbucks, managing a portfolio of stores in downtown Seattle, and as a Store Manager at Nordstrom.
James holds a certification in diversity management from Cornell University, a Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix, and a graduate degree in Legal Studies from Arizona State University. He currently serves as the Board Chair for Â鶹ÊÓƵ King County and has been involved with Choices Education Group, Seattle Goodwill, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, Bellevue Chamber, and Bellevue Rotary.
Outside of work, James enjoys being a husband and dad, playing tennis, hiking, and riding his motorcycle.
Maria is a Lead Product Development Manager at Lumen Technologies and although her career in Telecom began by accident, she's spent the prior 13 years building relationships with customers, sales teams, and delivery organizations alike. Previously Maria served her community as a Social Worker in many different roles: Hospice and Medical Social Worker, TANF Social Worker, Adoption Home Study, and Post-Placement Social Worker, among others. Today, she volunteers as a King County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and as a Westside Friend with the West Seattle Senior Center. Maria earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Northwest Missouri State University before serving with Â鶹ÊÓƵ Seattle/King County as a member of the City Heroes program. She also earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver.
Gavin P. Sullivan is a Principal at Madrona Bureau where he has written, produced and directed award winning feature documentary, TV programming, and commercial work. His approach to visual media is informed by his experience as a Senior Reporter with the Financial Times Group where he held correspondent posts in Latin America (Buenos Aires and Bogotá) and the US (Seattle). He is a former Rotary World Peace Fellow and US Fulbright Scholar.
Willie Seals, III is a native of Seattle. He has been an education professional for over 20 years. He is an alumni of Â鶹ÊÓƵ/Seattle King County service years 1999-2001. He has earned his BS in Business Management from Chicago State University, Master of Public Administration from Seattle University, and currently a Doctoral candidate at the University of Washington. He has a passion and knack for building relationships with people, particularly in community organizing, youth development, and strategic planning. Currently serving his 12th year as the Co-founder and Sr. Director of Programs for the Academy for Creating Excellence (ACE). ACE is a non-profit organization providing high quality educational services for youth and adult black males in the King County area.
