James Rooney
Leveraging more than 20 years' experience, James provides guidance and support to domestic and global organizations looking to increase their social and environmental impact.
Whether it’s creating a program opportunity assessment for a global technology company or advising a local nonprofit on their upcoming annual strategy, his deep expertise in strategy, program design, partnership management, grant management, and capacity building will help clients achieve their goals.
He began his social impact career with Microsoft Philanthropies where he developed and oversaw global strategy, programs, grantmaking, and partnerships for its nonprofit technology and disaster relief programs. He also served as the first Executive Director for the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, where he doubled its annual giving, increased its fundraising totals, and set its long-term strategy. Later, James led DICK’S corporate social responsibility and sustainability programs, oversaw all reporting, managed energy reduction strategies and programs, developed recycling and sustainable packaging initiatives, and launched a social impact strategy and philanthropic fund for their new brand, Public Lands.
He joined Olo to develop and lead its first social impact and sustainability strategy, including Olo for Good, through which he oversaw the granting of more than $9 million to domestic nonprofit organizations. He also oversaw Olo's first carbon footprint analysis and developed strategies and policies to reduce its overall environmental impact. James also led its volunteer and employee engagement programs, growing employee participation by 38% year-over-year.
In addition to his professional experience, James co-founded a nonprofit focused on food waste & food insecurity and has served on multiple local and national nonprofit boards.
James splits his time between Pittsburgh, PA (at 40 ° North latitude) and Asheville, NC, and holds a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Washington. He also earned a variety of professional certificates, including those focused on sustainability, program measurement, and the Sustainability Development Goals.
Areas of Expertise
- Corporate philanthropy
- Corporate social responsibility
- Corporate sustainability
- ESG reporting and disclosures
- Employee engagement & volunteer programs
- Nonprofit & community partnerships
- Program development & operation
- Strategy development
- Industry & peer benchmarking
- Technology for social good
- Leading local & remote teams