James Hickey, Ph.D. is a service minded educator who is actively involved in several philanthropic efforts. With special interests in mentoring youth and participating in faith based activities, several organizations identify Hickey as a member of their leadership board. These groups are a combination of volunteer and nonprofit entities.
Staten Island, a borough of New York City is a geographic region where Hickey spent many years, both as a student and a professional. Here, he was very actively involved in his community. Mount Loretto/Fr. Drumgoole CYO Camp was a long standing staple in Hickey’s community activities. From 1990 to 2012, he spent summers directing the aquatic program at Mount Loretto. He was also responsible for teaching swimming to youth including those whom were disadvantaged or had disabilities.
Hickey holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Fordham University and completed research in fundraising. He used that research to advance the fundraising capacity of several faith based organizations including St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, St. Joseph – St. Thomas Church, and Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Hickey was highly involved with Our Lady Star of the Sea participating in several initiatives, such as the Archdiocesan Bicentennial Campaign Committee and the parish’s Finance Committee, and leading several campaigns including increased giving and annual appeals.
Another important aspect of James Hickey’s philanthropic involvement is his service to Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity (TKE) and the TKE Educational Foundation (TEF). Founded in 1899, TKE has been aiding college men in their moral and spiritual development for more than 115 years. Tau Kappa Epsilon is based in Indianapolis, IN. Beginning in 2009, Hickey was elected to the Board of Directors of the international organization. TKE committed to raising $1 million to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is well on its way to reaching that goal. The TKE Educational Foundation is recognized as a charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Hickey serves as Chairman of TEF’s Courtyard Campaign and is TKE Educational Foundation Ambassador.
In 2012, Hickey joined SeaPerch New York, which is an organization sponsored by the Office of Naval Research to promote the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in middle schools and high schools. Here, he maintained a seat as member of the Board of Directors. Other accolades include memberships in a multitude of other professional associations known to place emphasis on fundraising and volunteer work for charitable causes. Recently, Hickey was accepted in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and was named a Knight. The Order of Malta is a sovereign entity recognized by the United Nations that serves the sick, the poor, and the imprisoned. James Hickey’s dedication to the betterment of society is apparent through his vast involvement in charity focused and philanthropic organizations.