James advises the next generation of business leaders to find a vocation they care deeply about. “Don’t be afraid to move in a new direction if you find yourself in a rut with your current vocation,” he says. “If you are passionate about what you are doing on a daily basis, leading people within the organization becomes more simplistic.” Part of the process, James says, is surrounding yourself with positive individuals. “Step away from those who expose negativity, and find someone who inspires you.”
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Find a vocation you can be passionate about. Don’t be afraid to move in a new direction if you find yourself in a rut with your current vocation. If you are passionate about what you are doing on a daily basis, leading people within the organization becomes more simplistic. Those you are blessed to work alongside see the example you set and hopefully emulate your passion.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? Seek out and surround myself with positive individuals. Step away from those that espouse negativity and find someone that inspires you. Sometimes you just need another perspective!
Who in your company (or industry) deserves more recognition for their impact? In my opinion, it is not a who, but a “what” that deserves recognition. The “what” is the entire airport team that makes the mission at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport possible. This includes St. Clair County employees that make up the foundation of the airport staff, as well as third party contractors that round out our team.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight is a tremendous nonprofit organization that provides a day of honor for veterans in the greater St. Louis area. The organization flies veterans to Washington DC to visit their and other war memorials during their day of honor. Currently, a vast majority of veterans are from the Vietnam era, and this trip provides closure and a welcome home they never received.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? Continued growth in serving the Greater St. Louis Metro Area. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is focused on providing exceptional low cost leisure travel to the metro area and beyond. The Airport looks forward to offering low cost International travel options in the future.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Increase opportunity for smaller airports to draw air service from airlines. Quite often the medium hub and larger airports are the focus, even though small and non-hub airports have the ability to provide a tremendous level of service throughout large and small communities.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? Growth opportunities in leisure travel air service. Operating in the same metro area as a medium-hub airport (St. Louis Lambert International Airport) presents a challenge, so MidAmerica St. Louis Airport seeks to grow in the leisure travel niche market. It is difficult to attract those air carriers which fit that market.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I reach out to the directors of the other area airports, specifically Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Sandra Shore, and Danny Adams. I also reach out to my predecessor, Bryan Johnson, on occasion. Airport directors throughout the state have been helpful as well.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? I have a number of mentors from throughout my Air Force career, specifically in the realm of leadership. Regarding the airport business itself, Bryan Johnson mentored me through my first year and a half as the assistant airport director at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. I consider my airport staff as mentors as well. We can learn from supervisors and subordinates alike.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Throughout both my Air Force and airport career it is the advice to continue to learn. One of the main reasons I took the role at a commercial airport was to continue broadening my experience. While I’ve been involved in aviation since graduating college, the civilian sector provides new challenges and opportunities.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? Carolyn Kindle, who ensured the successful start up of a Major League Soccer club, a sport that is quickly growing throughout communities in the United States. Brendan Whitworth of Anheuser-Busch—I would like to discuss leadership development and community involvement of such a large organization.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? Grow the involvement of business leaders from the Greater St. Louis metro area, specifically, the Illinois side of the river.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Sacramento, California
What was your childhood aspiration? To fly airplanes in the United States Air Force.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I was a gas station attendant. I learned how to engage a customer and ensure a positive experience.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? I have a BS in Human Factors Engineering from the Air Force Academy; a master’s in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air University; a master’s in Aviation Operations Management from Embry-Riddle University; and a master’s in National Resource Strategy and Policy from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I would continue developing my consulting LLC, focusing on strategy and leadership development. Developing organizations and the future leaders within our nation is how we maintain our level of influence throughout world.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Tortellini at Gian-Tony’s on the Hill
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? Visiting Ireland
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It is the story of Abraham Lincoln’s political genius and his ability to pull together the right leaders for our nation despite the fact that they were rivals.
What’s your hobby/passion? It used to be sports, but age has caught up. Remaining fit, home improvement projects, and providing for my family.
What is your most prized possession? Not a possession, but the most prized thing in my life is my children and my new granddaughter.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I have flown 12 different aircraft in my life.
What is your go-to karaoke song? I do not sing karaoke, but if I did, James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James”
