James Keshavarz

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT JAMES KESHAVARZ

My name is James Keshavarz, and I serve as the Chief Wellness Officer at Gibson Dunn. I hold a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), an MBA in Health Care Management, and an MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. My work is rooted in integrity, kindness, and empathy, and reflects my belief that well-being is not solely an individual responsibility but a shared one—shaped by communities, organizations, and systems that can either protect or undermine mental health.I am a member of the Board of Directors for the Institute for Well-Being in Law and serve on the American Bar Association’s Well-Being Pledge Committee. Previously, I chaired the Institute’s Awards Committee. My applied doctoral research examined intrinsic motivation, transformational leadership, and emotional intelligence—critical drivers of resilience, organizational well-being, and psychological safety.Before joining Gibson Dunn, I practiced as a Kinesiologist specializing in injury prevention and performance enhancement, and I taught as an adjunct professor of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at Glendale Community College, where I received the Distinguished Professor Award in 2019.In the United States Air Force Reserves, I have been recognized as Airman of the Year (2018) for my resiliency initiatives within the 452nd Air Mobility Wing and awarded the Air Force Humanitarian Medal (2022) for my COVID-19 response efforts. Additional military honors include the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal (twice), the Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal. I also serve as an Air Force Master Resilience Trainer, advancing evidence-based strategies for mental health and performance across diverse teams.My career reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing well-being at every level—from the individual to the organizational—through evidence-based practice, authentic leadership, and the belief that compassion and community are essential for human flourishing. Most importantly, I am a father to my beautiful morning dove, Paloma Leia, who inspires me every day to live with greater purpose, empathy, and love.