James is the Founder and President of Meristem Advisors LLC. In this role, James helps municipal and developer clients structure and execute financing for capital projects, sustainability, and resiliency through assistance with planning and budgeting.
James has over 25 years of experience in finance. Prior to forming Meristem Advisors, he was a Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets, a Managing Director at BMO Capital Markets, and Senior Vice President and Manager of Public Finance at Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson. When he worked in New York City, James was a Vice President at Prudential Securities and a Project Finance Associate at DJS/Inverness & Company.
James joined Openlands’ Board in 2018. He has had a lifelong passion for birdwatching and canoeing, and he and his family enjoy birdwatching along the lakefront. James is a believer in the value of nature and Openlands’ work in connecting people to natural spaces.
James also serves on the Board of the Old Town School of Folk Music, where he has held several roles including President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
James lives in Lincoln Park. He received his B.A. in Computer Science from Brown University, his M.S. in Engineering, Energy, and Environment from Princeton University, and his MBA from Wharton Business School.