James Pond is the president of Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) in Nashville, Tennessee. He develops long-term strategies for strengthening early literacy in Tennessee, partnering with organizations to amplify innovative programs for children statewide. His leadership role unites the efforts of the GELF team; more than 700 statewide volunteers; corporate partners; municipal and state government; and other public and private organizations to build lifelong learners in Tennessee. James has more than 20 years in nonprofit leadership, previously serving as Executive Director of Veteran’s PATH, which helps combat veterans find health and healing. He also spent 12 years working with organizations combatting sex trafficking in Southeast Asia. James currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife Athena and has three adult children and one grandson, Strider.
