Jamie Van Leeuwen, PhD, MA, MPH, is a distinguished leader and advocate in public policy, community development, and social justice. He is the CEO & Founder of the Global Livingston Institute (GLI), a non-governmental organization in East Africa that engages students and community leaders in poverty alleviation through innovative solutions. He advises Oakwood Homes on their government relations as it relates to affordable housing and most recently served as the Senior Director of Youth & Community Engagement at the Emerson Collective, where he focused on cultivating and leveraging cross-sector relationships to address critical social issues in education, conservation, immigration, healthcare, and youth development.
With a career spanning over 15 years in public service, Jamie served as a trusted advisor to Mayor and Governor John Hickenlooper in Colorado. His collaborative approach generated over $300 million in new resources for the public good.
Jamie holds a PhD in Public Policy from the Graduate School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver, specializing in affordable housing and homelessness. He obtained master’s degrees in international public health and Sociology from Tulane University. His work is focused on domestic and international initiatives aimed at combating poverty, with a specific focus on homeless and vulnerable youth globally.
Beyond his professional roles, Jamie serves on various boards, including the Biennial of the Americas, Colorado Music Coalition, and Generation Citizen. He is a prolific author, researcher, and presenter, with a substantial body of work comprising over 100 publications, presentations, and keynotes. He recently co-authored a textbook on best practices in community development.
Jamie is a Fulbright scholar and an Aspen Institute Ideas Fellow. His remarkable contributions have earned him recognition and accolades, such as the Denver Center for International Studies Community Ambassador Award (2018), the Urban Peak Maverick Thinker Award (2017), and the Creighton University Alumnae Merit Award (2014).
Appointed by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to lead Denver’s Road Home in 2006, Jamie’s implemented the Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness. He also chaired the Drug Strategy Commission and oversaw the Office of Drug Strategy, addressing treatment gaps in Denver.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Jamie is an avid runner and has participated in over two dozen competitive races, including the New York City Marathon. He possesses extensive international experience, having traveled to over 120 countries. Jamie has resided in various parts of the world, including Hong Kong, Jeddah, and Saudi Arabia, with his partner Andrei, who is employed by the U.S. State Department. His son Troy graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder and works in business development.
Jamie Van Leeuwen’s exemplary leadership, expertise, and commitment to social justice make him a highly esteemed figure in his field. His tireless efforts continue to inspire positive change on both local and global scales.
