Randy H. Skinner is noted for his work nationally in the area of community transformation. Over more than thirty years as a consultant in the criminal justice community, he developed a unique and proven approach to crime reduction, poverty eradication, affordable housing, hunger programs, and cultural renewal.

While recognized nationally for his work in child protection and race relations, Skinner is most recently noted for his leadership in Dallas, TX and West Palm Beach, FL. He has worked to eradicate hunger and food deserts in Dallas and San Antonio, while addressing poverty in Corpus Christi’s poorest zip codes. Currently, he is spearheading the reclamation of 25 city blocks in West Palm Beach, and has also contributed to revitalization efforts in Kansas City, MO, St. Louis, MO, and led the development of the nation’s first Opportunity Zone template.

As Executive Director of Strategic Justice Initiatives, Inc. (SJI), Skinner led a block-by-block reclamation of West Dallas — a community of 5,000 homes and 27,000 residents. Appointed by Dallas Mayors Tom Leppert (R) and Mike Rawlings (D), he oversaw ethical reform of City Hall and led the reduction of homelessness by 36% (1,800 citizens). He also played a key role in the Hillcrest community of Corpus Christi, where 800 residents were relocated and compensated after toxic waste destroyed their neighborhood.

During Hurricane Harvey, Skinner was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott as one of eight Texans to lead the rebuilding effort. With $100 million in private donations raised by Gov. Abbott, Skinner was the only non-resident to serve in the rebuilding of Port Aransas, TX, a community devastated by the Category 5 storm.

Today, West Dallas has transformed from one of the most violent zip codes in America to one of the safest. Local schools have been reclaimed academically and culturally, and more than $4 billion in investments have revitalized the community. This work now serves as a national model for Opportunity Zones.

Skinner has consulted across party lines, advising both Republican and Democratic leaders, and has worked with five presidential administrations, the U.S. Congress, USDA, HUD, DOJ, FBI, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Air Force, and Naval Intelligence. He also served four years as an advisor to Dr. Ben Carson at the Department of HUD.

Currently, Skinner leads Operation Rebuild Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, developing new nonprofits and assisting others with hurricane rescue, recovery, and rebuilding. He also consults with the U.S. Department of HUD, USDA, and Interior on rural Opportunity Zones.

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