Jim serves as president of Tiller, bringing over 30 years of corporate communications experience and expertise to clients such as BlackRock, iShares and Envestnet.
An accomplished financial writer, Jim’s special practice areas include corporate positioning and strategic message development, crisis communications, and the creation and execution of research-based PR programs.
Prior to joining the firm, Jim was a managing director with Powell Tate New York, a unit of the Washington, D.C.-based communications firm. He also spent 11 years at Ogilvy Adams & Rinehart (now Ogilvy Public Relations) where he designed and executed corporate positioning, media relations, investor relations, research, and marketing communications programs for a broad range of clients including the Chubb Corporation, Standard & Poor’s Corp., and T. Rowe Price Associates.
Jim holds a B.A. in English from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY and a M.A. in journalism from Stanford University.
What keeps you busy besides Tiller?
First and foremost, family (one spouse, two sons, one daughter, one dog, two cats). Various outdoor pursuits at home — running, biking, kayaking, trying to keep the lawn alive. I also keep busy with volunteer work on behalf of my alma mater, Le Moyne College, where it’s taught that social awareness is a sacred obligation.
What is it about Tiller that makes you proud to do what you do?
We genuinely care, and care deeply, about what we do — every aspect of it, large and small. In return, we’re fortunate to have outstanding clients who give us the opportunity to do really great work and who appreciate what we do. Most of all, our focus on advocacy gets us engaged with issues that really matter — for individuals, communities, the world at large — every day. For a communications professional, it doesn’t get any better.
What is your favorite book or quote?
“It’s no trick to make a lot of money — if all you want is to make a lot of money.” – Citizen Kane
Prior to Tiller, have you ever had a job that had a profound impact on you? How?
When I first started writing professionally and full time, I had a terrific editor who gave me a lasting appreciation for clarity, economy and precision in writing. She showed me, simply put, the power of making every word count. It’s great guidance for strong writing and effective communication — and a pretty good principle for impactful advocacy too.
Where do you see the business environment going in the next five years?
I wish I knew. One thing I really believe, however, is that business by necessity will be playing an even bigger role in confronting all the big issues bedeviling us today. And I bet Tiller will be in the thick of it.