LEADERSHIP

Richard Dix Danford, Jr., PhD

For 33 years, Dr. Richard Dix Danford, Jr. has served as the President and CEO of the Jacksonville Urban League, a premier civil rights, nonprofit social service organization dedicated to education and economic empowerment, equality of opportunity, and social justice. He has helped underserved citizens of Jacksonville improve their chances for inclusion and economic parity. Whether through improved educational access, starting a business, securing adequate and affordable housing, or gaining meaningful employment, he has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life within the Jacksonville community.

Danford’s career spans over five decades in various technical and administrative roles. Early employment experiences include stints at the Atlantic Coastline Railroad, Rayonier Inc., Thomas Area Technical School, the University of Florida, Edward Waters College, and the City of Jacksonville.

Danford earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Florida A&M University and his PhD degree from the University of Florida. He served in the Vietnam War in the United States Army and served in the Florida Army National Guard.

Danford has received several notable awards including the National Urban League’s Whitney M. Young, Jr. Leadership Award and the Academy of Fellows for service and leadership, the ultimate CEO award by the Jacksonville Business Journal, the Veterans Brain Trust Award for Service to American Veterans, the Mayor's Distinguished Service Award, and Georgetown University’s Global Social Enterprise Initiative Certificate of Achievement.

Recently, as a business developer, Danford created and dedicated the LaVilla Center Wall of Honor, Service and Patriotism. Located at Union and Broad in the Historic LaVilla community of downtown Jacksonville, the gallery wall is dedicated to African American military veterans and experiences during times of war from 1812 to the present.

A Rotarian, Danford is a member of the VFW Post 4761 General Daniel “Chappie” James, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Leadership Florida, and Leadership Jacksonville. He currently serves on the boards of the Timucuan Parks Foundation and the Jacksonville Sister Cities Association.