Jim served in the U.S. Navy for eight years as an Electronics Technician. His responsibilities included providing Information Technology Services and working on a diverse set of technologies, including radar, sonar, electronic mine warfare, and various types of communications equipment. He was honorably discharged in 1993.

Jim began his Information Technology career at Ford Motor Company, where he worked for over 18 years. He held several roles across different areas of the company, including Computer-Aided Design, Manufacturing, and Engineering. He later became an IT Service Delivery Manager and ultimately served in IT leadership. Many of his initiatives focused on directing strategic efforts that led to operational excellence and increased productivity.

Since then, Jim has held numerous leadership positions across companies of various sizes, industries, and verticals. These roles have included:

• Senior Manager of Supplier and Performance Management at a major auto supplier

• Director of Operations

• IT Senior Leader for Strategy and Planning, Global Architecture, and Innovation at a major automotive OEM

• Transition Executive and Chief Enterprise Architect at a large professional services firm

• Chief Information Officer (CIO) at an international professional services company, where he led transformational field service solutions that improved efficiency, reduced costs, and significantly enhanced client service.

Jim is currently the CEO of CoffeeTree Group, where he has led several consulting and advisory engagements. He has helped launch operations centers in rural America and successfully re-shored numerous jobs back to the U.S. He continues to grow strategic relationships, expand the company’s professional services offerings, and lead the delivery of industry-relevant technology solutions.

Jim resides in Detroit, Michigan, with his five children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid fan of boating, skiing, and golfing. For more than 25 years, Jim has volunteered as a basketball coach, mentor, and subject matter expert in technology.