Biography

James J. Ackerman is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience worldwide in leading advanced media companies and one non-profit. 

Ackerman joined NYC-based Brevet Capital in 2023 as a Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer. 

Ackerman joined Prison Fellowship in 2016 as President and Chief Executive Officer leading a turnaround of the largest NGO serving the needs of incarcerated men and women, returning citizens and their families. During his tenure the organization grew significantly in all respects: revenue, impact, size and influence. The Ackerman's have been passionate volunteers with and donors to Prison Fellowship for over 20 years.

As a transitional CEO, Ackerman led the strategic sale of Broadway Systems to Sintec Media, a global competitor.

He served as the turnaround CEO of Documentary Channel leading to the sale of the company to Participant Media, The preferred shareholders in Documentary Channel achieved a 19X return on their investment.

He led OpenTV (nasdaq) from a pure software vendor to a leading provider of interactive TV technology, services and applications supporting customers in over fifty countries.

Ackerman led the launch of British Interactive Broadcasting in the UK as well as served as the Managing Director of Sky Ventures, a division of BSkyB.

Earlier in his career, Ackerman served as the Vice President of International Business Development for A&E Television Networks, Vice President of Program Development for Hearst Entertainment, Director of Original Programming for The Family Channel and an Account Supervisor at Grey Advertising.

Ackerman is the husband of Martha Ackerman, and the father of two adult children, Holden and Lily. Ackerman is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard.