At a foundation born on a golf course yet rooted in classrooms, progress moves on two fairways at once. James Poulter, chief executive officer of The Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, steers that dual mission with equal attention to student growth and community partnership. His work connects learning to life skills so young people build confidence in school and character beyond it.
Poulter’s journey with the organization spans two decades in the region he calls home. From early roles to his current seat he learned the terrain by serving students, supporting educators and engaging civic leaders who share a belief in youth potential. That history informs how he sets priorities and how he builds coalitions that endure.
Recent years brought disciplined gains. The Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation diversified revenue, improved operations and strengthened programs that combine academics with mentoring and character education. Families and partners noticed steadier execution and a clearer path for growth.
Growth also meant investing in people. The team received coaching that sharpened delivery, managers gained clearer playbooks and stakeholder communication became more deliberate. Those basics raised confidence across classrooms, course and community.
The future of work across The Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation centers on readiness. Poulter is guiding a comprehensive expansion that modernizes facilities, upgrades curriculum and deepens student support, all while sustaining the golf enterprise that fuels the mission. Public-private partnerships are a priority because alignment across sectors multiplies impact for kids. The expansion plan balances ambition with careful pacing.
A Titan 100 Honoree, Poulter views recognition as momentum to serve more students with consistency and care. He seeks partners who share values, invites volunteers who model character and cultivates donors who invest for the long term. The throughline is access for youth who just need the right course, a coach and belief.
His leadership philosophy relies on dependable habits. He teaches teams to reconnect with their why, celebrate small wins and measure progress by student outcomes, not headlines. Colleagues describe him as steady under pressure, willing to take on the hard calls and loyal to the mission when tradeoffs get tough.
The vision he shares is expansive yet practical. In five years he expects stronger ties with schools and youth development groups like First Tee, more integrated programming across the campus and a broader circle of advocates who help students chart confident paths. Every step will link back to improved academic performance and character moments that translate to life.
Ask what makes him distinct and the answer is simple. Poulter prizes consistency, keeps promises and has the courage to start difficult conversations when change is needed. He calls himself a bridge builder because connecting people, ideas and purpose turns scattered efforts into durable progress.
That bridge shows each day. He works closely with the board, aligns leadership around goals and policies, and holds himself accountable for outcomes that students and families can feel. The result is a foundation that marries sport and education with uncommon focus. Students carry those gains into families, clubs and future workplaces.