Executive Bios 

Jim Gavrilos - Executive Director

Born in Hammond, Indiana, James Gavrilos graduated as valedictorian from Hellenic College in 1986, and received his Master of Divinity, again graduating Valedictorian, from Holy Cross School of Theology in 1989. After a brief stint as the Assistant Director of Youth Ministry for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America, he entered parish ministry, where he would serve for the next 16 years. In 2006, James became Director of Development for The Haven. In 2007, he accepted the position of President/ CEO of Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches. During his tenure at Junior Achievement, James oversaw the agency's first accreditation, a move to a new location, and the creation of the worlds first fully mobile BizTown...a simulated city where area students come to experience a day in the life of a business owner.

James is the proud father of four wonderful children: Alexios who is a Senior at the United States Air Force Academy, Constantine, a Sophomore at the University of South Florida, and Anastasia and Evangelia who are students at Boca Raton Christian School.  Married to since 2011 to Sally Wells, the two have nine children between them!  In his spare time, Mr. Gavrilos enjoys all sporting activities and participates in weightlifting and martial arts. An avid but miserable golfer, he also enjoys music of all types, but is particularly fond of opera.  James notes: "Boca Helping Hands is the pre-eminent social service agency in our area. As we move into a new phase of growth, we are going to focus all our efforts on meeting short term emergency needs while we search for long term solutions.  We will leave no stone unturned in our attempt to break the cycle of dependence."