Jim is a dedicated business and community leader and proud Democrat with a lifelong commitment to service, innovation, and helping others. As the Chief Operating Officer at StationMD that serves individuals with disabilities, he works every day to improve lives through compassionate and effective care. His leadership is driven by a deep understanding of behavioral economics, behavioral health, and technology, skills he honed through his extensive education and real-world experience.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, Jim has built and led high-growth organizations across various industries, focusing on creating opportunities, driving economic success, and strengthening communities. In 2016, he and his wife, Bethany, founded The Friend Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact by improving the well-being of others, where words like “UpStander” embody their belief in advocating for those that are most vulnerable. This includes individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as those recovering from substance addiction or transitioning from incarceration.
Beyond their healthcare and nonprofit service work, Jim and Bethany extended their mission of helping others by planting the Christian church, LovingKind Fellowship Church in Columbia, TN. Just as The Friend Foundation attends to the well-being of the body and mind, LovingKind Fellowship seeks to nurture the community’s spiritual well-being. Their faith-driven work provides a place of encouragement, worship, and support for those seeking hope and guidance.
Education & Expertise
Jim’s academic background has equipped him with a unique blend of business acumen, technological expertise, and psychological insight. He earned his undergraduate degree in computer science from St. John’s University, followed by a dual master’s degree in business administration and information systems management from the Keller Graduate School of Management. Committed to understanding human behavior and decision-making, he earned a Ph.D. in social psychology from Walden University. This combination of education and experience allowed him to develop innovative solutions in healthcare, business, and community development that have a real and meaningful impact on individuals and families.
Commitment to Service & Family
Rooted in service and family, Jim comes from a proud lineage of Americans who have dedicated their lives to helping others. He is the grandson of a World War II veteran and the son of a Navy serviceman, who instilled in him a deep respect for patriotism, hard work, and integrity. His passion for healthcare and advocacy was further inspired by his mother, a lifelong registered nurse whose dedication to caring for others shaped his commitment to improving healthcare systems and community well-being.
Jim is also the proud grandson of Italian and Greek immigrants, whose journey to America was fueled by the pursuit of freedom, opportunity, and a better future for their families. Their values of perseverance, faith, and hard work remain central to Jim’s leadership and vision for the future. Born and raised in New York, Jim moved south in 1987, spending almost two-thirds of his life in the southern states, including the last 26 in Tennessee, where he embraces the values of faith, family, and community that define America. His diverse experiences have shaped his ability to connect with people from all walks of life and build bridges between different perspectives.
Strong Leadership for All Tennesseans
A firm believer in fiscal responsibility, strong families, democracy, and individual opportunity, Jim’s leadership appeals to people across the political spectrum. He champions economic growth, accessible healthcare, and community-driven solutions, balancing pragmatic policies with compassion and common sense. Whether leading in business or working to strengthen local communities, Jim remains dedicated to building a better future for all Tennesseans.
