James Adkinson
About James Adkinson
James Adkinson is a Program Manager for the HUD Lead Hazard Reduction program at the Minnesota Department of Health, where he oversees a $3 million budget and manages initiatives to reduce lead in housing. He has extensive experience in volunteer engagement and program management, having worked with organizations such as AmeriCorps and the National MS Society.
Work at Minnesota Department of Health
James Adkinson currently serves as the Program Manager for the HUD Lead Hazard Reduction program at the Minnesota Department of Health. He has held this position since 2020, overseeing a program budget of three million dollars. His responsibilities include managing a collaborative initiative with the City of Rochester aimed at reducing lead in housing. In this role, he also helps identify families eligible for lead hazard reduction projects and is responsible for writing federal reports related to the grant.
Previous Experience in Public Health and Community Engagement
Prior to his current role, Adkinson worked at the Minnesota Department of Health as a Grants Coordinator for Family Home Visiting from 2018 to 2020. He also served as a Program Officer at ServeMinnesota from 2015 to 2018, where he contributed to various community service initiatives. His earlier experience includes a position as Volunteer Engagement Senior Manager at the National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter from 2012 to 2015, and various roles at Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa, including Recruitment & Youth Development VISTA and Program Coordinator.
Education and Expertise
James Adkinson studied at Millikin University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from 1999 to 2003. He furthered his education at Portland State University for one year from 2008 to 2009. His academic background, combined with his extensive experience in program management and community engagement, equips him with the skills necessary for his current role in public health and lead hazard reduction.
Community Service and Volunteerism
Adkinson has a strong background in community service and volunteerism. He worked as a Volunteer Stewardship Coordinator at AmeriCorps Cape Cod from 2005 to 2006, where he focused on volunteer engagement and stewardship initiatives. His commitment to community development continued at Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa, where he held multiple roles, including Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator and Recruitment & Youth Development VISTA. His experience reflects a dedication to enhancing community well-being through various service-oriented programs.