Jim Poole, MSW

Sr. Director of Integration
He/Him/His

Jim Poole joined NAMI Chicago in April of 2018 and transitioned to his role of Sr. Director of Integration in September 2020. As Sr. Director of Integration, Jim oversees resource management and partnerships, data analytics, and information technology for the organization. He previously served as the Director of Community Engagement, overseeing the execution and expansion of the Helpline program. 

Jim began his career working in residential facilities for young people living with mental health conditions in his home of Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to NAMI Chicago, Jim worked for the City of Chicago as Chief of Staff for 47th Ward Alderman Ameya Pawar. Jim’s time with former Alderman Pawar centered on navigating and providing leadership around neighborhood capital projects, political and policy developments, and coordinating with community stakeholders to move city policy forward.

Jim earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Kentucky with a double major in German and History and his Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration.  Jim is deeply invested in discovering new data and insight to answer the call for mental health reform.