Jim is a trusted strategist, large-scale issues leader, coalition-builder and advisor to top executives with more than thirty years’ experience cultivating, improving and strengthening legislative, policy and economic development relationships in both the public and private sectors.

Over the course of his career, Jim has successfully developed and driven policy initiatives in the areas of energy, natural resources, economic development, infrastructure, manufacturing, workers' compensation and taxation.

Prior to the founding of CIG in 2005, Jim served two Ohio governors, and served as the governor's business & industry advisor and liaison to Ohio's business community. Overseeing policy development of seven cabinet agencies including the Public Utilities Commission, the departments of Development, Transportation, Taxation, Agriculture, the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, the Ohio Industrial Commission, as well two stand-alone commissions: the Ohio Turnpike Commission and the Ohio Expo Commission, Jim was responsible for policy review, assessment, and short and long range policy guidance to the governor. Jim served as a key broker and strategist of private business and legislative support for tort reform, workers' compensation reforms and the most sweeping tax reform package in Ohio's history. Jim worked on numerous energy policy matters, including energy security and the response to the 2003 Northeast blackout. Jim was the administration lead for the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process and worked closely with the Lt. Governor/development director to achieve economic improvements including creation of the Ohio Jobs Cabinet, 2004 Jobs Bill and the Ohio Business Development Coalition.

Earlier, Jim served as deputy administrator of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, a member of a select executive team brought in to transform the largest single-line insurer with $22 billion in assets from a "Silent Killer of Jobs" to an internationally-renowned managed care model. The successful transition resulted in a modernized, streamlined and transparent workers compensation system, restored trust among Ohio’s business community, increased efficiency through workforce reduction, reducing workers’ compensation premiums and returning dividends to Ohio businesses. Jim also served in leadership roles at the Department of Development and the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Jim has been an active participant in Ohio's academic and research arenas, receiving fellowship appointments to both the Ohio State University's Ohio Manufacturing Institute and the Levin College of Urban Affairs - Energy Policy Center at Cleveland State University. Jim co-authored a comprehensive automotive/manufacturing policy report outlining current and future growth of Ohio's auto manufacturing industry and served as a strategic advisor and contributor to a comprehensive state report evaluating the development and economic potential of Ohio's shale industry. Jim was a founding board member of the Nemacolin Energy Institute which brought together companies, academics and officials to promote thoughtful, coordinated development of a newly-emerging shale industry sweeping through the tri-state region. Jim also regularly contributed to Crain's Cleveland Business Energy Report with industry updates and commentary on shale development and public policy.

Jim is the founder and principal of Capitol Integrity Group, Ltd Jim, a consultancy providing public policy guidance for more than twenty years to corporate and non-profit clients primarily in the energy and natural resources arenas. Jim also serves as the Executive Director of the Ohio Water Partnership, a non-profit entity focused on the economic impact of quality, abundant and accessible water on business development and manufacturing in Ohio. Jim currently serves as a board member of the Ohio Wildlife Council, The Nature Conservancy in Ohio, and the Adams County Ohio Travel and Visitors Bureau.

Native of Northeast Ohio, Jim began his career working in the family print shop in downtown Cleveland. Jim graduated from The Ohio State University and received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Air Force. He and his wife, Heidi, have two adult children and split their time between Columbus and Lynx, Ohio. They are members of St. Catharine Church in Columbus and Holy Trinity Church in West Union, Ohio. Jim is an active sportsman, hunter and advocate on issues related to outdoor sporting, natural resources conservation and youth ice hockey.