Jim Poole, MSW

Sr. Director of Policy
He/Him/His

Jim Poole joined NAMI Chicago in April of 2018 and transitioned to his role of Sr. Director of Policy in March 2025. As Sr. Director of Policy, Jim leads NAMI Chicago’s policy efforts at the state, county, and city levels.  He is passionate about amplifying the voices of people with lived experience and advancing human-centered solutions through policy.

Jim began his career working in residential and community-based programs serving people living with mental health conditions in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky and Baltimore, Maryland. Prior to NAMI Chicago, Jim worked for the City of Chicago as Chief of Staff for 47th Ward Alderman Ameya Pawar. Jim’s time with former Alderman Pawar centered on navigating and providing leadership around neighborhood capital projects, political and policy developments, and coordinating with community stakeholders to tackle issues big and small.

Jim earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Kentucky in German and History and his Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago in Social Service Administration.  Jim is a passionate advocate for improving community conditions and expanding access to mental health services to improve the lives of people living with a mental health condition and their loved ones.