As chief financial officer and deputy commissioner for administration and planning, Jacqueline James is responsible for the Department of Finance’s $26 million capital programs and $248 million expense budget and four business units: diversity and inclusion, contract management, financial management and operational services. She ensures that the commissioner and senior staff are advised of all financial changes within the budgets while promoting an agency-wide culture of fiscal responsibility, compliance, and outstanding professional service.
Prior to joining the Department of Finance, Ms. James served as deputy commissioner for administration and policy for the New York City Department of Juvenile Justice. A senior advisor, she represented the agency at city council hearings and led the formulation and implementation of policies and procedures to support the agency’s mission. Her responsibilities included the oversight of the department’s $138 million financial operation, which included capital and expense budgets, revenue, billings and payments, contracts, procurement, and audits. She also headed the workforce development operation, which included human resources, labor, discipline, and training, as well as the information technology, strategic planning, facilities management, and record retention divisions.
An experienced leader in city government, Ms. James began her career with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and later held several positions with the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Education. She has been awarded the Mayoral Black History Month Outstanding Employees Recognition award, among other honors, for her leadership. Ms. James holds a Master of Public Administration from Long Island University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baruch College. She resides in Brooklyn.