James joined the CEDA team in February of 2025 after a career in education (high school and college) and business management (Smithfield Foods). James holds a Master's of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership and a Bachelor's degree in History Education from the University of Northern Iowa. A native of rural northeast Iowa and father of four, James has experienced a lot of success in both workforce and business development throughout his professional career.

In his spare time, you can find James coaching high school football in his newfound home of New Ulm, MN.