Committed to living by his personal motto, “Build As We Climb”, change agent, thought leader 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 the country, focused on impact, devoted to empowering African American entrepreneurs; 50,000 square feet dedicated to inspiring ideas, creating jobs, scaling companies, and increasing wealth in the community.

An Atlanta native, Alpha man, 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.” He was also named to both the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40 Best and Brightest Leaders of the Future”.

James has served on numerous boards including The Historic Wren’s Nest in Atlanta’s West End, the Metro Atlanta Chamber Board of Advisors, the Atlanta Beltline TAD Advisory Committee, and serves as Chairman of Citizens Trust Bank’s, Next Generation Advisory Board.
He is a recipient of the coveted Whitney M. Young National Community Service Medallion and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Service Award. He is also a graduate of Leadership Atlanta, Leadership Georgia and the ARC Regional Leadership Institute.

James and his wife, NBC News Channel correspondent Blayne Alexander live between Atlanta, Georgia and Washington D.C.