James Hendon

Background

About James Hendon

I endeavor to uplift and enhance others socially and economically, particularly underrepresented people. Watching someone struggle to meet their core needs, which in turn makes it difficult for them to live as their full self—physically, emotionally, and without fear—is a status quo that I choose not to allow to stand. I take joy in fostering a dynamic whereby men and women can help themselves obtain dignity and the freedom to grow their dreams into a reality. I execute this vision by serving as Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Veterans’ Services, an agency dedicated to fostering purpose-driven lives for New York City’s U.S. Military Service Members—past and present—in addition to their caregivers, families, and survivors. In the past, I have lived in my own purpose of empowering others by serving as director of a small business incubator for Veterans, working at a green buildings startup, teaching college students, founding and running a green jobs corporation, mentoring young people, and serving in the military, among other activities. I have pursued a singular objective through the public, private, and nonprofit realms. The values behind everything that I do are transparency, empowerment, selflessness, and tenacity. My work is an ongoing product of experiences and trainings that I have received and continue to receive in areas including, but not limited to: combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, entrepreneurship, economic development, military science, education, investment banking, energy efficiency, business administration, and public administration. My efforts are not necessarily based on a goal, but rather an ongoing (and fulfilling) task, one for which I am not too proud to ask for help. That said, if there is something that you can do—or advice that you can offer—to help me help others in my various capacities, then do not hesitate to reach out. The only bad action is inaction. Lastly, it is incumbent on all of us to find our purpose, enable others to find (and live within) their purposes, and to thoughtfully act; not to live in a world of reaction or perceived limitations. I believe this in my heart. Thank you.