Board Member
2021-2024

Chestnut Health Systems

With over 32 years in behavioral health in Missouri, Jim Wallis, B.S., M.A., began his career in 1989 as a Deputy Juvenile Officer, working with at-risk adolescents in Pike, Lincoln and St. Charles Counties. He further was employed with the Missouri Division of Youth Services as a Service Coordinator and Facility Manager. Jim is currently the Missouri Director of Business Development at Chestnut Health Systems. As an adjunct faculty member at the University of Missouri St. Louis, Jim also teaches a master’s level “Family Policy and Advocacy” class at the School of Social Work.

Accepting the invite to serve on the Hope Creates Board was a “no brainer” for Jim. He has worked in the field of Behavioral Health for the past 30+ years,  and also has been impacted by substance abuse and mental health issues within his family. Breaking down stigma to treat substance use addiction and mental health diagnosis to be viewed and  treated as other types primary health  diseases is the goal. Utilizing the Arts and creativity to help educated and  advocate this goal with community change makers, is an effective avenue for this change.