A.J. Watson
At his core A.J. Watson is about helping people thrive. His career has spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors, always working to meet people where they are and make connections that allow them to reach their full potential.
As the National Director of Youth Guidance’s Becoming A Man (B.A.M.®) program he is responsible for leading a team of more than 200 highly-trained BAM staff to meet young men where they are and take them on a journey of developing into responsible and contributing young men.
Prior to joining Youth Guidance, A.J. had a productive career in the private sector holding roles for GE, Target and Wells Fargo. Yet, in 2009 he discovered his passion for impacting the life outcomes of young men of color as a political organizer working in neighborhoods decimated by economic upheaval following the financial crisis. After business school A.J. transitioned to the education and non-profit sector and worked for CASEL, a leader in the field of Social and Emotional Learning. There he supported the policy and advocacy team and oversaw efforts to attract, develop and retain top-tier talent.
A.J. has also spent 19 years as an executive consultant and trainer for FOCUS Training, done culture strategy work for IDEA Public Schools in Texas and was named a 2017 Surge Institute Fellow.
A.J. holds a BBA in finance and political science and an MBA in human capital and strategy. He resides in Atlanta with his wife Stacey and their two daughters Gabrielle and Alexandra.
