James White

Board Member - Michigan

James E. White is a transformative servant leader dedicated to strengthening behavioral health services for residents of Detroit and Wayne County. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), he oversees a $1.2 billion operating portfolio, leading Michigan’s largest public mental health system with a focus on sustainable growth, expanded access, and a resilient provider network. White is deeply committed to ensuring that every individual facing mental health, substance use, or disability challenges knows that help is available.

Under White’s leadership, DWIHN is advancing crisis care delivery through initiatives such as the 707 Crisis Care Center, expanded Mobile Crisis Services, and strengthened collaboration across the provider network. These efforts enhance access to care and broaden service options throughout Wayne County. The rollout of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and expanded direct service delivery further support an improved customer experience for the more than 123,000 individuals served annually by DWIHN.

White’s leadership is grounded in more than 28 years of public service and public safety experience. He began his career with the Detroit Police Department in 1996, rising through the ranks to serve as Detroit’s Police Chief, a position he held for four years. During his tenure, he led the department through two federal consent agreements, launched a Civilian Advisory Committee to strengthen police, community relationships, and managed an organization of more than 3,000 personnel. He also oversaw public safety operations for major citywide initiatives, including Detroit’s hosting of the NFL Draft, which attracted more than 700,000 attendees over a three-day weekend and featured a notable partnership with DWIHN supporting co-response trained officers.

White has long championed the integration of public safety and behavioral health. While with the Detroit Police Department, he was instrumental in strengthening partnerships with DWIHN and advancing the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, which pairs officers with clinicians to conduct field screenings and connect individuals to mental health resources. His leadership of co-response officers and dispatch personnel significantly enhanced access to behavioral health services for residents in crisis.

In addition to his role at DWIHN, White serves on the CIT International Board of Directors, the Child Welfare Improvement Task Force, and several other key advisory committees. He was recently appointed by Detroit’s newly elected Mayor as Lead Co-Chair of the Public Safety and Emergency Services Committee Transition Team. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, where he combined law enforcement expertise with advocacy for civil rights, advancing equity in housing, education, and public services for underrepresented communities.

White’s leadership has earned widespread recognition. He has received commendations from two sitting Presidents of the United States, who invited him to the White House in recognition of Detroit’s historically low crime rates. His honors include Delta Dental’s VIBE Award for Leadership and Community Impact, and recognition by the Michigan Chronicle as one of the state’s most influential Black leaders, alongside Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. He has also been named to the Michigan Chronicle’s Southeast Michigan 50 Most Powerful African Americans list, among numerous other distinctions.

A state-licensed mental health counselor, White holds an Associate of Arts degree from Wayne County Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Wayne State University, a Master of Science in Counseling from Central Michigan University, and an MBA Certificate from the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business. He also holds an Honorary Doctorate from Cleary University.