Committed to living by his personal motto, “Build As We Climb”, change agent, thought leader, entrepreneur and emerging philanthropist, James M. Bailey has dedicated his life to serving others.
James was recently named President and CEO of the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE). Honoring the great legacy and visionary business leadership of Herman J. Russell, Sr., he will lead the development of the largest center in America, driven by impact, dedicated to empowering African American entrepreneurs and small business owners; over 50,000 square feet designed to inspire ideas, create jobs, grow companies, and increase wealth in the community.
An Atlanta native and die-hard Georgia Bulldog, James has a proven track record of success, recognized by 3 U.S. Presidents for his leadership and community efforts. In 2012, James was one of eight Americans honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change: Following in the Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
A National Point of Light Award recipient, James was also recognized as one of the 10 most Outstanding Young People of Atlanta, honored with a Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award from the Obama Administration and officially named an “Amazing Atlantan” by the city of Atlanta.
A graduate of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Atlanta, and the Regional Leadership Institute, James was also named to both the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40 Best and Brightest Leaders of the Future”. He is a recipient of the coveted Whitney M. Young National Community Service Medallion, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Service Award, a New Leaders Council Fellow, member of Alpha Phi Alpha and the 100 Black Men of Atlanta.
James and his wife, NBC news correspondent Blayne Alexander live between Atlanta, Georgia and Washington D.C.
How to Connect with Jay
Website: http://www.rcie.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/russell-center-for-innovation-and-entrepreneurship/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybailey/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RCIEAtlanta/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rcie_atlanta
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russellcenter/
About Your Host
Paul Wilson, Area Director with SBDC, has extensive industry experience that spans leadership roles in supply chain management, procurement, marketing, supplier diversity, and small business development. His expertise includes strategic analysis, operational planning, leadership development, contract writing, video marketing, video production, training and curriculum development.
Having worked with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and educational institutions, Paul brings a diverse wealth of knowledge, perspective, and skills to the small business community.
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