As Senior Program Manager of IDM, James provides consultation to rural/urban community and economic development organizations undertaking strategic planning related to entrepreneurship, business retention, industry recruitment, community-wide planning, marketing, tourism, and organizational structure. He coordinates UNI’s Economic Development Administration University Center and is the Director of the Heartland Economic Development Course.  James is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), is a member of the International Economic Development Council, and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy.  He serves on the executive committees of the Professional Developers of Iowa and Iowa Rural Development Council, as well as a taskforce member of the Iowa Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative.