Rev. James A. Marshall, Jr. serves as Executive Vice President and National Chief Ministry Officer of Volunteers of America (VOA), an interdenominational Christian church and one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive human services organizations. In this role, he leads the vision and strategic direction of VOA’s ministry of service and Church Without Walls, working to position the organization as a national leader in faith-based care and a trusted resource for spiritual wellness across diverse communities.
As a member of VOA’s executive management team, Rev. Marshall directs the organization’s national ministry strategic plan and provides visionary leadership to a network of more than 600 commissioned, ordained, and retired ministers nationwide. His leadership also helps ensure that VOA’s approximately 16,000 employees are supported in their spiritual and emotional wellness as they serve some of the nation’s most vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. Rev. Marshall is the first African American to serve as VOA’s National Chief Ministry Officer.
Rev. Marshall is a seasoned pastoral counselor, executive advisor, relationship expert, international speaker, published children’s book author, and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. He is also a Gallup-trained Employee Engagement Instructor and Employee Talent Assessor. In addition, he holds professional certifications across several disciplines, including global human resources leadership, executive leadership, and religious nonprofit leadership. His work, leadership, and insights have been featured in numerous media outlets across the nation.
With more than 20 years of congregational ministry leadership experience, Rev. Marshall has served on the pastoral leadership and ministry staffs of multiple churches throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, while also serving other congregations in various ministry and leadership capacities. Throughout his ministry, he has provided leadership in preaching, teaching, spiritual formation, pastoral counseling, and organizational development.
A native of Washington, D.C., Rev. Marshall earned his undergraduate degree from Bowie State University and his graduate degree from Capital Bible Seminary.
Beyond his leadership with Volunteers of America, Rev. Marshall serves on the Board of Directors of the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center Foundation and the Association for Christian Fundraising. He also serves as Executive Director of Kindred Hope, a consulting organization focused on life and family healing and restoration.
Across his work in ministry, organizational leadership, counseling, and community service, Rev. Marshall remains committed to helping people and organizations flourish. Beyond his professional and ministry leadership, he considers one of his greatest blessings and most important roles to be serving as the proud father of three amazing children.
