Get to know the ACLU of Ohio team by checking out our Employee Spotlight blogs! You may know that James has a background in theatre and used to work at Cleveland Public Theatre, or that he once appeared on Jeopardy! but today we found out some new fun facts! Read on for more information.
- Q: What is your full name?
- A: James John Gillen Kosmatka
- Q: What pronouns do you use?
- A: He/Him/His
- Q: What is your title and which department do you work in?
- A: Executive Associate; Administration Department
- Q: Did you have any past positions at the ACLU of Ohio?
- A: No
- Q: Which office do you work in?
- A: Cleveland
- Q: When did you start working at the ACLU of Ohio?
- A: December 5, 2015
- Q: What projects are you currently working on?
- A: I recently started a committee with other staff members aimed at improving equity, diversity, and inclusion in our recruiting and hiring process. I'm also assisting our Deputy Director in modernizing our bookkeeping system, and I just finished an amazing non-profit management seminar with some of our senior staff.
- Q: What issue area are you most passionate about?
- A: LGBT Rights and Mass Incarceration.
- Q: What is your favorite ACLU memory?
- A: During the 2017 Cleveland International Film Festival the ACLU of Ohio sponsored a documentary titled, A More Civil War. Our Staff Attorney Elizabeth Bonham was featured in this film, and I had the honor to introduce the documentary at Capitol Theater. Many staff and supporters of the ACLU were at the event, and afterwards the production company held a small gathering at XYZ Tavern, it was a very fun event.
- Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
- A: Anywhere in the Southern Pacific because I am sick of Cleveland weather, and it's always sunny and warm there.
- Q: Where do you get your news?
- A: All over, but a lot from podcasts like the BBC or NPR, and from my co-workers who pass important and interesting articles across the office.
- Q: What is the last movie you saw in the theaters?
- A: Rampage - the Rock's most recent film!
- Q: What TV show would you say is the best of all time?
- A: The Wonder Years - that's an easy one. I used to watch it every week with my dad when I was a child, and I'm in the middle of watching the DVD box set right now
- Q: Do you have any pets?
- A: I have a cat named Chief.
- Q: What are you most excited about in 2018? Work, otherwise, or both!
- A: Well, my sister just had a baby girl so I look forward to spending more time with both of them. I'm also working on a short film with a college friend. Work wise, I'm excited to dig into the recruiting and hiring project, especially alongside the awesome staff members on the committee with me.
