James McDonald, Ph.D.

Senior Executive Director in the Air and Radiation Division

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Dr. James McDonald is a senior executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience at the intersection of public policy, environmental governance, talent management and operational excellence. While Dr. McDonald has not worked directly within a higher education institution, his educational and executive leadership journey as a scholar-practitioner has given him a deep theoretical and research foundation in how colleges and universities function, serve students, and shape communities. His extensive federal government career has enabled him to engage with higher education at the policy and systems levels, crafting, analyzing, and implementing policies that directly impact institutions and the students they serve. This perspective bridges the gap between policy intent and institutional reality, reinforcing his deep commitment and passion for serving as a senior Higher Education Administrator.

Dr. McDonald currently serves as Senior Executive Director in the Air and Radiation Division at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he leads the Region’s implementation of the Clean Air Act, oversight of state air monitoring programs, issuance of permits on tribal lands, and energy policy that ensures compliance and environmental protection.

Throughout his distinguished career at the EPA, Dr. McDonald has advanced priorities in environmental and energy policy, sustainability, and effective management across federal, state, and advisory capacities. His career reflects a sustained focus on operational transformation, strengthening program effectiveness, and aligning operations with strategic priorities. He has served as the Assistant Regional Administrator, Director, Mission Support and previously as Senior Advisor, Office of the Regional Administrator. His leadership portfolio includes roles such as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Administrator for Environmental Information, Director, Office of Administrative Law Judges, and Special Assistant, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations. Earlier in his career, he served on Capitol Hill as a Senior Policy Advisor and Legal Counsel to Members of Congress.

Dr. McDonald has led large, multidisciplinary teams and managed budgets exceeding $400 million, delivering major infrastructure and environmental outcomes that protect human health and advance the EPA’s mission. Known for his collaborative leadership, he has built strong coalitions across government, academia, industry, Tribes, and communities, consistently turning policy priorities into measurable, lasting results.

Beyond his federal leadership, Dr. McDonald has contributed significantly to professional and civic organizations. He served as Chair of the Dallas/Fort Worth Federal Executive Board and serves as Vice-Chair on the Board of Managers for the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff. His other affiliations include the African American Federal Executive Association, the American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy and Resources, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, and the 100 Black Men of America Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter, Incorporated. He is also a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Additionally, he was selected as a Fellow with the Higher Education Leadership Foundation and HBCU Higher Education Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University.

Dr. McDonald holds multiple academic degrees, including a B.A. in Political Science, from Alcorn State University, B.S. in Paralegal Studies, University of Maryland University College, M.P.A., Truman School of Public Affairs, University of Missouri–Columbia, Juris Doctor, Levin College of Law, University of Florida, M.A. in Human Resources, Webster University, and Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education, Jackson State University. He also holds a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University.