From Data to Dignity: How Tech Powers Transformation at Atlanta Mission

Guest Introduction James Barrell is the Chief Information Officer at Atlanta Mission, the largest and oldest homeless services provider in the Southeast. His career spans insurance, consulting, and corporate CRM systems before he transitioned to the nonprofit world in search of greater purpose and family balance. At Atlanta Mission, James has led a comprehensive digital transformation by building a custom Salesforce-based CRM, introducing AI-supported systems, and integrating automation to track meaningful client outcomes. His leadership has helped redefine how the organization uses data to serve thousands of individuals with more precision and compassion. Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn How Atlanta Mission’s transformation model focuses on root causes of homelessness The use of data to differentiate between chronically and situationally homeless individuals How James transitioned from corporate consulting to nonprofit IT leadership Why building a custom CRM helped Atlanta Mission measure long-term success How automation like badge scanning reduces manual work for frontline staff AI’s potential for improving service delivery, intake, and counselor support The importance of making data approachable and meaningful to human-centered teams The non-linear career path that led James to become a CIO in the nonprofit sector In This Episode James Barrell explains how Atlanta Mission uses technology to empower rather than simply manage its community. Their transformation model is designed to help individuals not only exit homelessness but also build lives rooted in stability, dignity, and independence. Whether the need is trauma recovery, addiction counseling, or job readiness, Atlanta Mission combines personal care with structured programming. A central part of this evolution is the CRM system James and his team built from scratch on Salesforce. Designed to capture outcomes like housing stability, employment retention, and relationship rebuilding, the system automates what used to be manual processes. The team introduced badge-scanning to log participation in services such as classes, counseling sessions, and vocational training. This data-driven approach has revealed significant trends, including a growing number of clients experiencing homelessness for the first time. These insights have shaped how Atlanta Mission tailors support programs. James shares how his own path into this work was unexpected. Originally trained in veterinary science and psychology, he moved through the insurance and software consulting world before joining Atlanta Mission as a data analyst. Eventually, he was mentored into the CIO role and now leads innovation across all campuses. He also outlines how the organization is exploring AI applications, from chat-based intake support to counselor transcription, and even digital literacy training for clients. His story illustrates the profound impact technology can have when placed in the hands of a mission-driven leader.