James Nesmith
Kinder,Louisiana
Summary
Operations and program leader with more than 25 years of experience building and managing teams, overseeing complex organizations, and driving sustainable growth across healthcare and community-based environments. Strong background in organizational operations, strategic planning, finance, and people development, supported by graduate training in human services and marriage and family therapy. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, implement scalable systems, and improve service delivery outcomes.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive and Administrative Director
Grace Community Church
Kinder, Louisiana
01.1997 - 01.2026
- Directed organization-wide operations, including HR, finance, compliance, facilities, and strategic planning
- Managed multimillion-dollar budgets and led cross-functional teams across multiple departments
- Designed and implemented operational systems supporting long-term organizational growth and accountability
- Led capital projects and major initiatives from planning through execution
- Built and developed high-performing teams while strengthening internal processes
- Key Contributions
- Managed a multimillion-dollar annual operating budget for more than a decade
- Led fundraising and construction for two major campus development projects
- Co-launched and scaled a local daycare business from concept to operation
- Oversaw communications and large-scale community initiatives
- SELECTED LEADERSHIP OUTCOMES
- Led cross-functional teams supporting long term organizational growth
- Implemented operational systems, improving workflow efficiency and accountability
- Strengthened financial controls while managing multimillion-dollar budgets
- Launched new programs from concept through execution
- Led, directed, managed and mentored over 20 staff members.
Owner/Operator
Restaurant
Beaumont, TX
06.1999 - 01.2002
- Developed and implemented efficient kitchen workflows to enhance service speed and minimize waste.
- Trained staff on food safety standards and customer service best practices, ensuring compliance and quality.
- Managed inventory systems to optimize stock levels and reduce costs while maintaining product freshness.
- Oversaw daily operations, including scheduling, budgeting, and vendor negotiations to maximize profitability.
- Established performance metrics for staff evaluation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Insurance Sales
Guardian
Lake Charles, LA
06.1997 - 06.1999
- Adhered to all regulations for insurance sales.
- Enhanced sales skills through ongoing training initiatives, staying current on industry trends and best practices in personal lines insurance sales.
- Explained features, advantages and disadvantages of various policies to promote insurance sales.
- Educated potential customers about the benefits of various health insurance plans during seminars or one-on-one consultations.
- Collaborated closely with sales and marketing teams to identify opportunities for upselling or cross-selling products and services.
- Worked closely with sales staff to identify potential upselling opportunities while delivering high-quality services as standard practice.
- Developed personalized sales pitches for potential customers, effectively demonstrating the value of insurance products tailored to their needs.
Education
Master of Arts - Marriage and Family Therapy
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia05-2023
Master of Arts - Human Services, Executive Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia05-2013
Associate of Arts - Computer Science
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, Louisiana05-2000
Bachelor of Science - Theology
Jackson College of Ministries
Jackson, Mississippi05-1994
Skills
- Operations and program management
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Strategic planning and execution
- Budget oversight and financial management
- Process improvement and systems implementation
- Provider and staff development
- Stakeholder communication and relationship management
- Performance metrics and reporting
- Risk management and compliance
- Healthcare systems navigation
- Care operations and service delivery optimization
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Restaurant
06.1999 - 01.2002
Insurance Sales
Guardian
06.1997 - 06.1999
Executive and Administrative Director
Grace Community Church
01.1997 - 01.2026
Master of Arts - Marriage and Family Therapy
Liberty University
Master of Arts - Human Services, Executive Leadership
Liberty University
Associate of Arts - Computer Science
McNeese State University
Bachelor of Science - Theology
Jackson College of Ministries