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Lisa James
Partner; Senior Public Relations Director
Lisa James is a coalition builder and connector whose career has woven together politics, business, and community service. With decades of experience bringing people and causes together, she has helped businesses, nonprofits, and political teams form the relationships needed to build support and reach their goals.
Lisa’s career in politics began in 1986 in the Illinois Legislature, where she worked for State Representatives, State Senators, and the Assistant Clerk of the House. After managing several successful campaigns in Illinois, she moved to Washington, D.C., joining the Republican National Committee’s political department and working with state and local governments nationwide.
Her move to Arizona marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career. Lisa served on the Arizona George W. Bush for President Advisory Board in 2000 and directed Arizona Victory 2000, leading all statewide Victory efforts. In 2004, she chaired the No Taxpayer Dollars for Politicians Ballot Initiative and served as Arizona executive director for Bush-Cheney ’04. Two years later, she directed coalitions for Senator Jon Kyl’s re-election campaign and led the Arizona Republican Party Victory 2006 campaign.
Lisa continued to serve in key leadership roles, including Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman John Shadegg from 2009 until his retirement in 2011. In 2012, she provided strategic consulting for Congressman Jeff Flake’s successful U.S. Senate campaign and co-chaired Arizona Women for Romney Victory. She also played an active role in successfully preventing the legalization of recreational marijuana in Arizona in 2016.
Today, Lisa works with a diverse portfolio of corporate, charitable, and community clients. She currently serves on the Industrial Development Authority of the County of Maricopa, the University of Arizona Cancer Center Council, and chairs the Board of Governors for the Dodie Londen Excellence in Public Service Series.
Her past service includes chairing the Breath of Life Gala for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, leading the Florence Crittenton Teaming Up for Girls Luncheon, and serving on the boards of the Be Kind People Project and St. Joseph the Worker.
Lisa is married to Gordon James, and together they have four children.