James today serves as Vice President for Emerging Challenges where he facilitates member efforts to identify and address emergent issues affecting U.S. security. These efforts are supported by BENS’ various councils and aim to complement and reinforce BENS initiatives with partners across the National Security Enterprise.
Previously, James served as a BENS policy director before leading internal and external communications as BENS’ Director for Strategic Communications. In that role, he was responsible for propelling member expertise to stakeholders and served as the organization’s principal content and media specialist. As a policy director, James managed projects related to energy security and those aimed at creating greater efficiency within U.S. defense and security agencies. His work included BENS’ seminal report on military microgrids and BENS’ military compensation series.
James began his career as a campaign field director, and then legislative staffer for U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, before joining the Truman National Security Project. While on the senator’s legislative staff, he worked on energy, environment, and trade policy, among others.