James Haj

Background

About James Haj

James R. Haj joined The Children’s Trust as president and CEO in April 2016. With Mr. Haj at the helm, The Trust has enjoyed one of its most successful periods. Trust investment in programs and services for children and families in Miami-Dade County has risen to its highest levels. At the same time, administrative expenses dropped to their lowest percentage in the organization’s history. He also led The Trust through the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding funding for emergency assistance programs, strengthening neighborhood supports and serving as an essential voice for children and families during unprecedented hardships. During his tenure at The Trust, Mr. Haj’s leadership and knowledge have increasingly been sought to help guide the community's future. In 2024, he was named to serve as a voting member on the newly created 30X30 Vision Council by the Board of Miami-Dade County Commissioners. Also in 2024, Mr. Haj was named as a Miami-Dade Beacon Council board member and serves as a required board member of the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe. While leading The Trust, Mr. Haj has received numerous honors and accolades, a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication. In 2024, he was inducted into the Miami-Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2024, following his 2023 Florida State University Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Education, Health and Human Services, and his induction into the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Alumni Hall of Fame for his professional achievements and devotion to helping children succeed in the community. In 2024, Mr. Haj also received the following: the inaugural Impact Advocate Award that recognizes an individual who works tirelessly towards positive change in their local communities or statewide; was accepted to the Leadership Florida Class of 2024-25, which brings together current and future leaders who build a core foundation of leadership skills and education knowledge for the better of the state; and The Trust received the "Very Important Partner" Award for its work with Head Start and Early Head Start Program. A lifelong educator, Mr. Haj started his career in Miami as a teacher, became a middle and high school principal, and eventually worked as assistant superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, before joining The Trust. Mr. Haj received an MBA in Business Management from the University of Miami and a BS in Education from Florida State University. He and his wife, Karen, are parents of three children.