James Winans

President & CEO
The Bowery Mission

As President & CEO of The Bowery Mission, James Winans leads a team of staff, volunteers, partners and supporters who meet essential needs and foster transformative community, continuing a 153-year legacy of service to New York City neighbors in need.

James first encountered the realities of homelessness and the promise of transformation through a life-changing volunteer internship at The Bowery Mission more than 25 years ago. He later served as Chief Development Officer, building and guiding teams that successfully raised more than $120 million over 15 years.

He became CEO in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Mission faithfully kept its doors open while much of New York was shut down, caring for New Yorkers with nowhere to “stay at home.” The Mission emerged from the pandemic with a deepened resolve to serve every person who walks through its Red Doors, including thousands newly experiencing homelessness and many who have recently arrived in New York.

Before joining The Bowery Mission, James served as Education Director at Family Promise and has contributed as a consultant, board member or volunteer leader with several other nonprofits. A native of Maryland and a graduate of Drew University, James resides with his family in Queens.