Experience

Sonnet Public Relations, LLC

• United States
• Public Relations and Communications Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Chief Executive Officer

  • Aug 2022 - Present

  CEO of Sonnet Public Relations. Sonnet provides expertise in designing and implementing strategic communications plans that propel brands and improve business outcomes. We work with large and small companies as well as not-for profit organizations. CEO of Sonnet Public Relations. Sonnet provides expertise in designing and implementing strategic communications plans that propel brands and improve business outcomes. We work with large and small companies as well as not-for profit organizations.



USO

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 700 & Above Employee

• President, USO Southeast Region

  • May 2020 - Aug 2022

  As President for the USO Southeast Region, lead USO operations and fund development in ten states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the southern half of Virginia. Together, these states are home to over 35% of the nation’s active military force and 30% of the National Guard and Reserve Forces. Approximately, 1,500,000 Active Duty, Guard and Reserves and family members. The Southeast Region manages nearly 50 facilities that provide support those who serve our nation.

• President & CEO USO of North Carolina

  • Aug 2019 - May 2020

  Served as President and CEO for the USO in North Carolina. The United Service Organizations of North Carolina (USO of NC), founded in 1941, is the lead organization charged with supporting military servicemen and women in the state of North Carolina. Eleven percent of U.S. military active duty forces call North Carolina home. With seven major military installations, NC has the fourth largest demographic of active and reserve duty components in the country.



Sealed Air Corporation

• United States
• Packaging and Containers Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Vice President, Global Corporate Communications and Government Affairs

  • Nov 2013 - Dec 2018

  As Vice President of Global Corporate Communications and Government Affairs for Sealed Air Corporation, Jim was responsible for internal and external corporate communications, government affairs, branding, public affairs, and Sealed Air’s philanthropic and governmental strategies. The portfolio includes widely recognized brands, including Cryovac® brand food packaging solutions and Bubble Wrap® brand cushioning. Sealed Air generated $4.4 billion in sales in 2018 and has approximately 15,000 employees who serve customers in 122 countries.



Siemens

• Germany
• Automation Machinery Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• SVP, Communications and Marketing

  • Jan 2009 - Nov 2013

  As Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing for Siemens Corporation, Jim was responsible for the strategy, direction and management of this global technology company’s corporate communications and marketing in North America. Jim also served as the Chairman of the Siemens Foundation and was responsible for corporate social responsibility initiatives.Ranked 30th on the Fortune Global 500, Siemens has more than $26 billion in annual sales and employs over 65,000 employees North America. Jim lead the execution of the U.S. Answers Campaign, the largest marketing investment in the company’s history. This award winning campaign positioned Siemens as the leader in environmental and sustainable technologies such in four business sectors: Energy, Healthcare, Industry and Infrastructure and Cities.

• Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Vice Chairman, Siemens Foundation

  • Oct 2004 - Jan 2009

  Served as the company’s primary spokesperson on corporate responsibility issues and implemented a public relations campaign that increased positive media coverage by over 50% in two years. Lead executive of the Siemens sponsorship of Disney’s Spaceship Earth attraction in EPCOT Center Disney World. As President of the Siemens Foundation, designed and implemented a corporate responsibility and communications plan that was adopted by the new CEO of Siemens AG and used on a world-wide basis. Managed the operations and programs of the Siemens Foundation, a 60 million dollar 501c 3 organization.



United States Military Academy at West Point

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Director of Public Affairs

  • 1998 - 2004

  Trusted advisor to an Army three star general and Secretary of the Army in the operation of an institution with 15,000 community members and employees and an annual budget of $225 million. Directed and executed both the internal and external communications for the United States Military Academy at West Point. Directly managed five departments with 42 employees. Developed and executed a nationally recognized and award winning strategic communications plan for the Bicentennial anniversary of the USMA, resulting in 24 books, 8 television documentaries and national coverage in all major media. Designed and implemented a communications plan that helped raise $220 million during our Bicentennial celebration. Directly responsible for West Point’s national image. Responsible for all marketing initiatives to include: advertising, brand management, weekly newspaper, television station, radio station, websites, legislative liaison and public relations liaison to the Department of Defense and the Executive Branch.



US Army

• United States
• Armed Forces
• 700 & Above Employee

• US Army Aviation Officer

  • 1984 - 2004

  Served in a variety of leadership positions that included Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Operations Officer. Responsible for organizing, planning, training, and operating organizations in complex and difficult environments throughout Europe, Central America and the United States. Directly responsible for the health and welfare of hundreds of soldiers while performing at the highest level of proficiency. Personally flew over 2,400 flight hours. Awarded numerous citations, to include: the Legion of Merit, Humanitarian Service Medal, Master Aviator Badge and Air Assault Badge.