Jim started his tenure as president & CEO in January of 2022 as part of a two-year strategic Executive Leadership Transition Plan announced by the Michigan Chamber Board of Directors in early 2020.  

Jim first joined the MI Chamber in 2008 to lead its Business Advocacy Team where he designed, coordinated and implemented strategies to enact the MI Chamber’s legislative agenda and advance policies to strengthen Michigan’s business climate and economic competitiveness. From there, he became the Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Jim also directed the Chamber’s political action activities and the Michigan Chamber Litigation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing important precedent issues before the highest courts in Michigan and nationally. His work has helped the Chamber consistently earn top honors as the “Most Effective Association” in a biennial survey of Michigan capital insiders. 

Jim has worked in and around Lansing political circles for over 33 years. A lawyer and former legislative staffer, with a background rooted in policy, he has held senior positions in both the Michigan House of Representatives and the State Senate. In between stints of public service, Jim practiced law with a major Michigan firm where he focused on government relations, regulatory compliance and civil litigation. Immediately before joining the Chamber, Jim served as Chief of Staff for Rep. Craig DeRoche during his tenure as Speaker of the House and Minority Leader.   

Jim holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University, a law degree from the Thomas Cooley Law School and an MBA from the University of Michigan.