Meet the OurJourney
Staff Members
Interim Executive Director
Brent Bailey
Brent Bailey is the Program Coordinator for the Buncombe County Reentry Council, which provides assistance to anyone returning from prison, giving them the resources they need to overcome the challenges they face, such as housing, transportation, education and employment.
Brent has been working in reentry for over 17 years. His experience as a formerly incarcerated man who served over 5 years offers him a unique perspective when it comes to navigating reentry. His greatest joy comes from helping the returning citizens of Buncombe County down the path to self-sufficiency.
Director of Operations
James Davis
James Davis served 7 years in prison before being released in March of 2020. He brings experience from nearly 10 years in the Air Force. He also has experience in the Real Estate industry and Electronic Security Management.
James has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems Management from Texas Lutheran University.
In his free time he enjoys video games and NC State Wolfpack sports.
Director of Essential Services
Elizabeth Starnes
Elizabeth "Liz" Starnes oversees OurJourney's Essential Services program, which connects returning citizens with one-on-one professional assistance in a wide variety of ways.
Informed by lived experience, Liz is deeply committed to supporting returning citizens and individuals impacted by the legal system. Since 2018, she has volunteered to challenge unjust policies and expand access to essential resources such as healthcare, housing, employment, and technology, actively engaging in the legislative process to advocate for systemic change.
Known for her tactful problem-solving and strong communication skills, she has led the development of a training initiative that equips returning citizens with the knowledge, skills, and financial literacy needed for long-term success and reintegration. Drawing on her background teaching in both traditional and non-traditional settings—including within the prison system—she designed a program to use hard & soft skills as a tool for empowerment, growth, and opportunity.
User Experience Developer
Akshay Kenjale
Akshay Kenjale has over three years of product design experience in industry-related SaaS projects. He has redesigned the YouTube music experience and developed Wipeout, a mobile app that encourages good hygiene habits. Akshay came to OurJourney by way of Taproot Plus, an online community that helps nonprofit organizations achieve their goals faster by connecting them with skilled volunteers.
After redesigning this website, Akshay decided he wanted to continue offering OurJourney his digital talents because of his personal commitment to social justice and his belief that every person has value. He is now part of a team that is developing a mobile app for OurJourney that will make reentry smoother and more successful for our state's returning citizens.
Akshay has a Bachelor's Degree in Product Design from the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing in Jabalpur, India and a Master's Degree in User Experience and Interaction Design from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You may learn more about Akshay and his work by visiting his website.
Jamison McLaughlin
AI Prompt Engineer
Jamison McLaughlin is a versatile Prompt Engineer, author, and AI Automation Specialist with a strong multidisciplinary background, holding associate’s degrees in Computer Information Technology, Electronic Engineering, and Business Administration.
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These accomplishments are all the more amazing given that Jamison served over 25 years of incarceration, all here in North Carolina.
He is the author of The 80/20 Guide to Mastering Prompt Engineering with ChatGPT, sharing practical strategies for leveraging AI effectively. Jamison excels at designing precise prompts and building automation workflows that connect technical innovation with business strategy.
Alongside his technical expertise, he brings a unique artistic edge through graphic design and creative projects, and he expresses his creativity musically through his passion for the piano.