President & CEO, Deanna McCray-James has more than 20 years of experience in association/non-profit management, marketing, communications, and government relations. A graduate of the University of Maryland University College (UMUC), she holds a Masters of Business Administration, Master of Science degree in Management with a focus in Public Relations as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies, with a minor in Spanish. Ms. James has competed for and won the titles of Mrs. District of Columbia America 2009, Mrs. Maryland United States 2005 and Ms. Black Continental U.S. 2004 (where she won the Pageantry Spirit Award). Deanna also placed 2nd runner up to Mrs. Maryland America 2004 and won the title of Mrs. Congeniality in that pageant.

Deanna currently serves on the Montgomery County Citizens Review Panel for Children and holds professional memberships in the National Press Club, Public Relations Society of America, Women in Government Relations, Women's Congressional Staff Association and the National Association of Black Journalists. Additionally, she belongs to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Iota Phi Lambda Business Sorority, Inc.

Since 2011, Deanna has instructed coursework at Anne Arundel Community College as an adjunct professor. Her coursework includes: "Principals of Management", "Business and It's Environment", "Office Manager" and "Business Communications". All courses have been instructed via face-to-face, online and hybrid formats.