J.R. Reynolds

J.R. Reynolds is a writer, veteran communications consultant andcertified professional coach. His focus is on social justice at the intersection of race, gender, lgbtq, disability, with special emphasis on food justice.

As Director of Calhoun Race Impact Alliance (CRIA), he informs, educates and coaches professionals on issues related to race, racism and culture.

He also is Coordinator of Good Food BC, which supports organizations and individuals working in various aspects of the food system. In addition, he has been a contributor to NPR radio affiliate WMUK.

J.R. is an award-winning journalist and writes the weekly column Humans being in Gannett's Battle Creek Enquirer. Along with his companion blog 4 Humans being, J.R. creates connections - between people and across cultures - by exploring the things we share in common.

As a leadership coach,certified by the International Coach Federation (ICF), J.R. helps nonprofit staff and volunteers unleash their natural creative potential and harness untapped inner resources to achieve greater professional and personal growth.

A former Billboard magazine editor, J.R. also worked for the strategic marketing communications firm Williams Group. He is active in the giving community and has served on the boards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance in Washington, DC, Michigan-based Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services, and as the board president for Woman's Co-op in Battle Creek, Mich.

Previously, J.R. was a national trustee for The Recording Academy, where he supported the “Grammy in the Schools” program in Los Angeles. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

J.R. enjoys reading, learning, hiking, mountain biking and being near large bodies of water.