James Williams leads the Climate Champions program at Climate Solutions. In that capacity, he cultivates and supports elected climate leaders. His goal is to increase the number of climate champions in WA who are up to the task of accelerating climate progress and creating solutions at the scale of the problem.

Prior to joining Climate Solutions, James was the Organizing Director for Got Green (a South Seattle based nonprofit that fights to make sure black and brown communities are not left out of the new Green Economy). James also worked for over a decade at Service Employees International Union as a labor organizer. James has contributed to historic community campaigns such as No New Youth Jail, Stop Blaming Hookah Lounges, and Black Lives Matter.

Following Hurricane Katrina, James returned home to New Orleans and contributed his time and energy to relief and rebuilding efforts. In 2006, James volunteered at Common Ground Collective where he learned how climate change and ongoing pollution were contributing to stronger storms, warmer seas, and wetlands loss along the Louisiana Coast. In 2011, James relocated to Seattle where he volunteered with local climate justice organizations. There, he became aware of campaigns and initiatives around the globe aimed at shifting economies from dirty energy to energy democracy, from funding highways to expanding public transit, and from incinerators and landfills to zero waste. Such examples inspired James and continue to feed his hope for a brighter future.

James is a father who enjoys reading and writing, camping, and good food.