From Behind Bars to Jordan Board Chair: The Story of Larry Miller

Rick Wade
Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Published

April 28, 2026

Larry Miller grew up in West Philadelphia in a large, working‑class family. As a young child, he was a good student, motivated by the desire to please his parents and teachers, but as he grew older his focus shifted amid racial hostility and neighborhood violence. He joined a gang, neglecting education for power and success in the streets.

At age 16, during a moment fueled by grief, anger, and poor judgment, Miller committed a tragic act of gun violence that resulted in the loss of another young man’s life. He was charged as an adult and sentenced to prison. Miller is clear about the gravity of that harm and the responsibility he carries. Years later, he met with the victim’s family, expressed his remorse, and received their forgiveness—an experience he describes as life‑altering.

Prison could have been the end of the story. Instead, it became the beginning of transformation. While incarcerated, Miller discovered reading as an escape and a source of possibility. Guided by others, he immersed himself in books ranging from classic literature to history and philosophy. Education became a turning point. He earned his GED with one of the highest scores in the program and was asked to serve as valedictorian. In his graduation speech, he urged those around him to “let time serve us.”

A Path Forward Through Education

Miller ultimately found a path forward through education. During a later period of incarceration, he gained access to a college‑in‑prison program, earned an associate degree, then transferred to Temple University, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting with honors.

Reentry was not easy. Even with a degree, Miller encountered rejection. During an interview with a major accounting firm, he chose to disclose his criminal history and saw a job offer withdrawn. That moment revealed the barriers that many justice‑involved individuals face—but it did not stop his determination.

Miller went on to build a successful career at companies including Campbell Soup, Kraft Foods, and VF Corporation. Eventually, he joined Nike, becoming the company’s first Black vice president and played a central role in shaping the Jordan Brand into a global success. For many years, only a few people he worked with professionally knew about his past. With encouragement from his family, particularly his daughter, Miller chose to tell his full story publicly.

An Opportunity to Succeed

His message during April's Second Chance Month is simple and powerful: people can change, but opportunity makes change possible. Most individuals who are incarcerated will eventually return home. When provided with access to education, skills training, and employment, they are far more likely to succeed—and far less likely to return to prison.

Second‑chance hiring is not charity. It is a workforce solution. As employers across industries face labor shortages, millions of capable, motivated people remain excluded because of past mistakes. Larry Miller’s life demonstrates what can happen when talent is not written off.

Miller shared his story during the U.S. Chamber’s 2024 Second Chance Employment Forum, a convening held each year to highlight the important of engaging America’s Second Chance population.

Second Chance Month in April is a time to recognize the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for individuals with criminal histories to rebuild their lives and contribute to our economy. The U.S. Chamber is committed to fair‑chance hiring, and this month, call on the business community to open doors to second chances, strengthen our workforce, support families, and build a more inclusive and resilient economy.