Rory James joined the Saint Louis Zoo in 2022. With a background in public health and a passion for creating inclusive spaces, he has broad experience in community engagement, staff development, and intercultural communication. James has worked with diverse populations across both rural and urban communities, K-12 schools, and college campuses, with a particular emphasis on building connections and improving access. He has presented at local, regional, and national conferences on topics such as college access, student retention, and health and wellness promotion.

Prior to the Zoo, James was Director of the Office of Student Diversity & Inclusion at Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. Prior to arriving at Indiana University, he served as the Director of the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Director of the Intercultural Center at University of North Carolina Asheville. James earned a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from Tulane University and his Bachelor of Science in biology from Tuskegee University.