Jim Festante (Executive Director) founded Health-e-Habits to promote thoughtful technology and gaming use, emphasizing informed decision-making and community building. He spent 20 years in media production and knows how the engagement loops are built because he worked in the industries that built them.

Jim’s digital journey began in 1996, designing websites when the commercial web was still in its infancy. His work spanned industries, with clients like Ford, Merrill Lynch, and Conde Nast. He soon transitioned into online entertainment, producing content for MTV, NBC, and Comedy Central before moving into journalism at Slate Magazine/The Washington Post, where he created video content surrounding gaming and technology while helping launch Slate’s video department and official YouTube channel.

Since 2008, Jim has shaped the marketing landscape for video games, leading creative campaigns in television, online, and social media for major publishers including Xbox, Sony, and Nintendo, as well as global sensations like Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft. He also consults creatively for entertainment studios including Pixar and Disney, writes comics for publishers including Dark Horse and Image, as well as video game-adjacent books for Insight Editions.

Jim has always been deeply invested in supporting young people. Before becoming a parent, he taught acting and improv in NYC and Hollywood. Now, he mentors through programs like Crisis Text Line and Big Brothers Big Sisters while coaching youth soccer and baseball. He is currently pursuing certification in Addiction Studies Counseling, furthering his commitment to guiding the next generation.

Jim’s experience in gaming, journalism, and digital marketing has given him a 360-degree view of technology’s influence; founding Health-e-Habits was the natural next step in helping families make sense of it.