James Hargrove, President and CEO

For over twenty years, I have trained individuals in human resources, financial literacy, life skills development, and career planning, all of which are essential tools for navigating the demands of the 21st century. 

Although my achievements extend over my entire professional career, I would like to point out a few accomplishments that are representative of the skills and abilities I offer:  

• H.O.P.E. Inc. – As the Vice President and Director of Human Resources for over 20 years, I collaborated with the executive management team to shape the company's vision and mission. We developed strategic HR plans and policies, including those for recruitment, training, and compensation. I was responsible for hiring, guiding, and evaluating HR executives, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and analyzing HR operations through metrics and analytics. My role also involved promoting equal opportunity and diversity, managing labor and employee relations, and re-engineering processes for efficiency. Furthermore, I provided reporting and played a crucial role in driving the long-term success of HR and the organization as a whole.
• NeighborWorks National Homeownership Advisory Committee Member – As one of the original committee members, our main objective was to assist NeighborWorks America in achieving its strategic plan and goals by building and sustaining a national network of homeownership centers. We gathered essential feedback from the management of each center regarding best practices, partnership opportunities both within and outside the organization, and insights into emerging trends and issues in the housing market. I represented the entire Mid-Atlantic region.
• Virginia Foreclosure Prevention Task Force Member – During Governor Tim Kaine's administration, I was appointed to the task force by Patrick Gottschalk, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade. The purpose of the task force was to protect and preserve homeownership for Virginia's working families and communities in response to the rising trends in foreclosures. 
• NeighborWorks Resource Group, Inc. – Before I joined the organization, it was primarily known for providing down payment assistance grants and loans, as well as emergency repair grants. As part of the organization's strategic plan, I was responsible for developing in-house mortgage loan programs and products, and for establishing partnerships with various lenders, including VHDA, Truist (formerly SunTrust), Wells Fargo (formerly Wachovia), Provident Bank, and Neighborhood Housing Services of America. My responsibilities also included overseeing compliance, managing a multi-million dollar mortgage loan portfolio, handling loan processing and origination, and creating loan procedures.

Throughout the years, my hard work and dedication have allowed me to make a significant impact on communities and lives across the state of Virginia. I am committed to continuing this positive influence, especially for individuals who may lack the knowledge or experience to navigate our ever-changing and challenging world.