James “Jay” Bailey

James serves as President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). Honoring the great legacy and visionary business leadership of Herman J. Russell, Sr., he will lead the development of the largest center in America, dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs and small business owners; over 50,000 square feet designed to inspire ideas, create jobs, grow companies, and increase wealth in the community. James is a National Point of Light Award and Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award recipient. James has served on numerous boards including the Metro Atlanta and the Georgia Chamber Board of Directors, the Atlanta Beltline TAD Advisory Committee, a Georgia Forestry Foundation Trustee, and Chairman of Citizens Trust Bank’s, Next Generation Advisory Board. A graduate of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Atlanta, and the Regional Leadership Institute, He is a recipient of the coveted Whitney M. Young National Community Service Medallion, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Service Award, a New Leaders Council Fellow, member of Alpha Phi Alpha and the 100 Black Men of Atlanta