Jim is a former member of the Senior Executive Service with over 30 years of broad experience leading Federal organizations in the areas of law, procurement, budget, audit resolution, human capital, design and construction programs, facilities management, and information technology. He is an advisor to the Design-Build Institute of American (DBIA) in matters involving curriculum and resource development, as well as serving as an instructor for several of their training courses.  Jim is also the Principal for ROPE Strategies, LLC, providing consulting services in design-build integrated project delivery, risk management, strategic planning, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including facilitated partnering workshops. He is an Adjunct Professor at American University’s School of Public Affairs, Department of Justice, Law, and Criminology.

Jim served over 16 years with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), in legal and senior management positions. As an attorney, he specialized in government contracts and construction litigation, rising to the position of Deputy General Counsel. As Chief of Construction Contracting, he established the design-build program for all new Federal detention facilities. After DOJ, Jim served in the U.S. Department of Education in various leadership roles, including Director of Contracting, Senior Procurement Executive, Suspension and Debarment Official, and Deputy Chief Financial Officer. In those roles, he oversaw contracts, procurement policy, indirect cost negotiations, and internal controls. Jim retired from Federal service as an Assistant Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management.

Jim holds a B.A in Economics and Political Science from Binghamton University and earned his Juris Doctor from William and Mary Law School. He also has earned a Certificate in Strategic Foresight from the University of Houston.