Before forming his own comprehensive advancement consulting firm, Jim served as vice president for advancement at Georgetown University. At Georgetown, he led the institution’s offices of alumni affairs, strategic communications and marketing, development, medical center development, and advancement services. During his tenure, he produced record numbers in new commitments and dollars despite a difficult economy, and launched a number of innovative programs, including the Student Discovery Initiative, which uses current students to interview alumni who have been only occasionally engaged with the university.

Jim arrived at Georgetown after spending eight years as the vice president for advancement at the University of California, San Diego. At UCSD, he led the planning and execution of the institution’s seven-year $1 billion campaign, then raised almost half the target amount in three years, despite a weak economy. He also expanded and improved outreach to key constituencies, increased and strengthened volunteer participation, acted as university spokesperson, and implemented programs that improved community relations. During Jim’s tenure, significant increases were posted in federal funding, national and international publicity, and alumni participation.

Before arriving at UCSD, Jim served as vice president for external affairs at Georgia Institute of Technology. At Georgia Tech, he increased annual gift income from $26 million to $76 million and more than tripled the institution’s endowment to well over $500 million. Jim began his career in higher education at Miami University and served at the University of Cincinnati as well as the University of Massachusetts. Operations under Jim’s management have won awards in virtually every area of university advancement.