James oversees the administration of MCWD’s programs and services and all staff. He partners with the Board of Managers to lead and coordinate the organization’s strategies, priorities, policies, goals, and budgets. He develops relationships and partnerships with other governmental agencies, stakeholders, and policymakers to achieve the district’s goals of improving water quality, managing water quantity, restoring ecological integrity, and creating thriving communities. He has served as an elected official on the Hennepin Conservation District Board and received the MN Division Isaak Walton League’s Stewardship Award in 2009.