James serves as Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs and oversees the department’s policy, advocacy, and engagement efforts on the federal, state, and local levels. In this capacity James develops Vibrant’s legislative and regulatory strategy, and directs Vibrant political engagement efforts and appearances in front of governmental bodies. 

Before his time at Vibrant, James most recently served as Government Relations Counsel for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget where he advised the agency on political strategy and governmental compliance regarding fiscal matters. He additionally was detailed as special counsel for budget and contractual policy within the 2024 and 2025 NYC Charter Revision Commissions. Prior to that, James was a political consultant at the Office of Joseph A. Califano Jr., a former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. James also previously served as executive law clerk for the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau.

James holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina Honors College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. In his free time, James enjoys reading history, going to the theatre, and cheering on his beloved Atlanta Braves and South Carolina Gamecocks. He is based in New York City where he lives with his wife and dog.