A man with more than 14,000 e-mail addresses at his fingertips, James W. Reed is a master communicator and a friend to hundreds of organizations from local community groups to the United Nations.  For more than 25 years, Mr. Reed has used his extraordinary network of connections to help others.  Through both his role as Deputy Commissioner of the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs and his work with civic and charitable organizations, it is easy to see that education, combined with a happy and healthy life, is his priority.

Professionally, Mr. Reed was the Former Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Consumer Affairs for Nassau County.  He was also a Founding Member of the Nassau County Police Explorers Board of Directors which helps youth, ages 14 to 20, succeed and excel in career opportunities, life skills, character development and leadership roles.  Additionally, Mr. Reed has served as a Super-Distinguished Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis, a member of the Freeport Salvation Army Corps Advisory Board, a member of the Board of Directors at the Nassau County Salvation Army, and a Government Liaison Chair for the Long Island Chapter of ASIS International.  He believes strongly in public education and information, giving as many as 300 speeches a year.

Mr. Reed has been a Type II Diabetic for the last 15 years and has struggled with the consequences of this disease that can cause blindness and/or amputation due to improper blood sugar control and medicine management.  Mr. Reed has changed his eating habits, practiced portion control and altered food choices to assist with weight reduction, all while keeping a positive attitude as a part of his daily regimen.  To assist with fundraising for research to find a cure for diabetes, Mr. Reed is heavily involved in community outreach, serving as the Long Island Diabetes Walk Chairman in 2007 as well as the Corporate Sponsorship Chair for the Walk.  Mr. Reed played an integral role in public relations and media surrounding the Walk to increase awareness about diabetes.

This year, Mr. Reed is being honored at the Fourth Annual Penta Cares & ASIS – Long Island Chapter’s Charity Golf Outing because of his dedication to finding a cure and his leadership through example that a healthy and successful life is possible with diabetes.

Mr. Reed resides in Oceanside, Long Island and has three accomplished daughters.  From what he has learned from the daily challenges as a single parent, he is better prepared for even greater issues in his public and private life.  His exceptional job experience, vast volunteer efforts and unprecedented dedication to helping others has resulted in Mr. Reed being known in the community as “The Everyday Hero”.