James A. Perlaki is a graduate of Oakland University in 1982. Jim has been providing services to runaway and homeless youth services for 42 years. Serving in multiple counties he has served in various roles from direct youth care, shelter management, fiscal operations, fund development, and executive leadership. Jim is presently the executive director of Flint based Genesee County Youth Corporation, a regional runaway and homeless youth provider.

Jim serves on the Michigan Network for Youth and Families Board of Directors as Treasurer, the Macomb Homeless Coalition Board of Directors as Treasurer, the Genesee County Continuum of Care Governance Council, and is the Chair of the Youth sub-committee of the Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care. Additionally, he is a contractor with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Youth Services Bureau.