James H. Wendorf

Executive Director

James H. Wendorf is executive director of the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), which seeks to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school, at work, and in life. He directs NCLD's efforts to connect parents with resources, guidance, and support so they can advocate effectively for their children; deliver evidence-based tools, resources, and professional development to educators to improve student outcomes; and develop policies and engage advocates to strengthen educational rights and opportunities.

NCLD's multi-year initiative to support and engage parents as their children’s most effective advocates is the single largest program in this effort.

For the past three decades, Jim has worked in the not-for-profit sector to build national and international partnerships supporting children’s learning and literacy. Prior to joining NCLD in 1999, Jim served as vice president and chief operating officer of Reading Is Fundamental, Inc., the nation's largest nonprofit children's literacy organization, based in Washington, D.C.

Jim currently serves on the advisory board of the National Center on Educational Outcomes (University of Minnesota), the National Association for the Education of African American Children with Learning Disabilities, the Education Policy and Leadership Center (Southern Methodist University) and previously with a variety of civic and education organizations. He served as vice chair of the Congressionally authorized Advisory Commission on Accessible Instructional Materials in Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities.

Jim is frequently called upon by the news media to comment on policies and programs affecting individuals who struggle to read and learn. He earned a B.A. degree from Yale College, and graduate degrees in English Language and Literature from the University of Cambridge and Cornell University.