JAMES A. GILMORE, JR.
Vice President, Government Relations

With extensive experience in all levels of state government, including active roles on several committees and initiatives, James ensures that all the ideas Russo generates are formulated, from the ground up, with the big picture in mind.

In his most recent role, James served as Vice President for the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency. From coordination of joint ventures and special programs with federal, state, and local governments and governmental agencies to designing and implementing all educational training and workforce development programs, James has been a state-level force for change and growth.

From 2004 - 2006, James was a policy advisor to the Office of the Governor, instrumental in research and drafting efforts various civic and community efforts. Instead of following the latest trends and developments, James was the one responsible for guiding them. He served in various capacities with regards to housing and recovery agencies, was a spokesperson for the state's efforts in this area, and was one of the leaders in calling for comprehensive programs to address Assistance to Needy Families, Childcare, Foster Care, Refugee Care, Affordable Housing, Predatory Lending, Community Development, and Workforce Development.

James is a Ph.D. (ABD) from Louisiana State University in the areas of Human Resource Development and Leadership Development. He backs that up with an extensive pedigree that includes a Master's in Public Administration from LSU and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Southern University - A&M College. Additionally, he was a Fannie Mae Fellow in Executives in State and Local Government and holds a prestigious certification from Harvard University's, John F. Kennedy School of Government.