Economic Development Profile

The Economic Development Committee of the NAACP Atlanta Branch advances equitable economic growth by connecting entrepreneurship, workforce development, and policy advocacy to real community outcomes. Under the leadership of Sean James, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee and CEO and Founder of VSNWKS (Vision Works), LLC, the committee brings a people-centered, systems-driven approach to economic empowerment across Atlanta.

Sean’s two decades of experience span both public and private sectors, including his early leadership within New York City government where he managed over $1.5M in public-private partnership assets, led tourism revitalization through the Brooklyn Tourism & Visitor Center, and coordinated civic and business engagement strategies that elevated small business visibility and investment attraction. Today, through VSNWKS and the VSNWKS Community Corporation, Sean continues to strengthen organizations, build operational infrastructure, and implement people-first economic strategies that drive measurable impact across cities.

From New York to Colorado to Georgia, the committee operates with a cross-sector ecosystem approach—bridging government, entrepreneurs, faith institutions, corporate partners, and grassroots leaders. Guided by Sean’s expertise in workforce development, business growth, and policy engagement, the Economic Development Committee focuses on sustainable solutions that expand opportunity, build generational wealth, and strengthen the economic fabric of Black communities and beyond.