Kay Coles James has an extensive background in crafting public policy and in leading nearly every sector of America’s economy. She has worked at the local, state, and federal levels of government under the administrations of former US President George H. W. Bush (served twice between 1989-1993), former Virginia Governor George Allen (1994-1996), and former US President George W. Bush (2001-2005); and she has also served dozens of organizations in the corporate and nonprofit arenas. In 2001, Mrs. James was appointed as Director of the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) by President George W. Bush and led a department of 3,600 employees. As director, she served as the President’s principal advisor in matters of personnel administration for the 1.8 million members of the federal civil service and was responsible for the stewardship of more than $650 billion in federal employees’ assets.

Mrs. James is a former board member of PNC Financial Services Group, the National Board of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the Magellan Health Services Board, and Amerigroup Corporation. Mrs. James is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and has done continuing board education at The Harvard School of Business.

Today, Mrs. James is the President of The Heritage Foundation, America’s premier conservative think tank. The Heritage Foundation is dedicated to formulating and promoting conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. Mrs. James has also been a trustee of The Heritage Foundation for twelve years.

Mrs. James is also the founder and Chairman of the Board for The Gloucester Institute, an organization which trains and nurtures college-aged leaders in the African American community. The Gloucester Institute is committed to providing an intellectually safe environment where ideas can be discussed and transformed into practical solutions that produce results.

Most importantly, Kay Coles James is the wife of Charles James, Sr. and the proud mother of three grown children and five grandchildren.