James Kale is an education leader, strategist, and systems builder
committed to expanding opportunity for young people and communities historically excluded from power. He currently serves as Executive Director of Comp Sci High, where he leads organizational strategy, talent development, and program design for a growing, mission-driven high school. His work sits at the intersection of instructional excellence, organizational health, and long-term sustainability, with a deep commitment to interdisciplinary learning that bridges visual arts, literacy, digital media, and technology—particularly for Black and Brown students in urban communities. He elevates creative practice as both a rigorous academic discipline and a vehicle for youth voice, storytelling, and civic engagement.

Over the course of his career, James has led through periods of significant growth and transition, including launching new school buildings, building and managing senior leadership teams, and designing professional learning systems that strengthen adult practice and student outcomes. He brings a practitioner’s lens grounded in classrooms and studios alike, paired with a systems-level understanding of how policy, funding, and culture shape access to high-quality educational and arts-based experiences.

Beyond education, James has experience in brand strategy, entrepreneurship, and community-centered ventures. He previously ran an events and brand activation business in
New York City and served as a brand strategist for a Harlem-based hospitality group, sharpening his ability to build trust across sectors and translate vision into execution.

He also co-founded and serves as Chair of the Board for the Compton Art & History Museum and serves as Board Chair for Color Compton. Across every role, he is guided by a core belief: leadership is not about proximity to power, but how power is used to build durable, equitable systems.