Stuart James

Dynamic leader with a proven track record in guiding organizations to success through strategic planning and effective management. Expertise in team building, innovation, and operational efficiency has consistently driven business objectives forward. Adept at converting challenges into opportunities, leading to substantial growth and improved profitability.

• Vice President / Partner, MEDIA MAKERS
• Vice President / Founder, SPORTS UNLIMITED LA

• The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, Record Fundraising Success, Set new organizational fundraising records in 2024, securing over $8 million in commitments by establishing a structured approach to development and crafting compelling narratives that inspired donors and stakeholders., 01/01/24
• The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, Strategic Partnerships, Collaborated with key state groups to support legislation eliminating subminimum wage for workers with disabilities in Ohio, helping to organize statehouse advocacy events., 01/01/24
• The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, Recipient of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, Recognized for demonstrating exceptional commitment to ethical business practices, transparency, and integrity in all organizational operations., 01/01/23
• The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, Recipient of the OSILC Award for Innovative Programming, This accolade celebrates The Ability Center’s creativity and leadership in developing programs that empower individuals with disabilities, expand access, and set new benchmarks for inclusion and community engagement., 01/01/23
• Center for Independent Living (TheCIL), Endowment Increase / Property Sale, Initiated efforts and overcame internal objections to selling historic, original property. Partnered with disability friendly developer to create plan memorializing original use of old building and developing accessible/easily converted apartments. Generated $3M and doubled endowment., 01/01/21
• Center for Independent Living (TheCIL), Board Rebuild, Convinced Board to rewrite bylaws and implement term limits retroactively, enabling rebuild of Board shifting membership from advocates-only to include business, policy, and legal professionals., 01/01/21
• Center for Independent Living (TheCIL), Private Foundations, Targeted private foundations with scheduled communications and follow-up and led creation of vibrant, funder-targeted presentations highlighting use of funds. Drove 15X increase in private foundation monies from 2017 to 2020., 01/01/20
• Center for Independent Living (TheCIL), Non-Profit of the Year, Named 'California Non-Profit of the Year' in 2016., 01/01/16
• Wheelspluswings, WheelsplusWings Launch, Co-founded company with Ian Stewart, co-founder of Wired Magazine, and Toni Piëch (Porsche VW family). Created concept and operationalized media company to change cultural perception of people with disabilities in China., 01/01/11
• ASO / Helios Partners, Big Wins, Signed and managed three (3) premier global clients to contracts for Greater China – Arsenal Football Club, WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) and Major League Baseball., 01/01/10
• Emma Entertainment (Ticketmaster), Events, Led China marketing for Back Street Boys, Whitney Houston, Manchester United v Beijing Guo’an, Johnny Walker Classic, and Rolling Stones. Clients included Pepsi, Audi, Budweiser, Motorola, China Mobile, Kraft, and Ford., 01/01/09

• Board of Advisory - Kennedy Center
• Board of Directors - Imagination Station