Executive Team

Served as chief executive and led a four-person HP engagement team that replaced senior management for a medical diagnostic lab (molecular, clinical, anatomic pathology).  Stabilized operation, implemented compliance program, and developed strategic alternatives amidst a highly publicized owner dispute and investigation of pre-receivership conduct.

Led an engagement team that stabilized cash flow, senior lender relationship, and supplier relationships following 2021 supply shock.  Helped facilitate a balance sheet restructuring through the sale-leaseback of company properties and refinancing of working capital facility.  Positioned the company for a sale to private equity shortly after the restructuring.

Led financial advisory engagement for third largest catalog printer in the United States in connection with a bankruptcy filing in the Delaware Bankruptcy Court, successfully leading the company through a restructuring and return to profitability that repaid 100% of secured debt and preserved 500+ jobs and 95% of the customer base. Negotiated the sale of the company in §363 sale. Engagement was awarded 2021 Refinancing of the Year (Under $100MM) by M&A Advisor.

Led financial advisory engagement for Tier 1 automotive supplier with significant cash flow and profitability challenges, structuring a new borrowing facility, serving as primary contact for suppliers and advising the CEO and Board on strategic alternatives.

Led financial advisory engagement for a consumer products company. Reestablished relationship with senior lender and renegotiated key distribution, manufacturing and supply contracts. Result: significantly improved gross margins and cash flow and a return to profitability, facilitating exponential growth. The company attracted several rounds of investment and was purchased by Procter & Gamble in 2023.

Saved a social services organization from liquidation by structuring and negotiating an innovative asset sale that preserved the organization’s core programs in the hands of a healthy buyer.  This transaction was awarded 2019 Pro Bono Transaction of the Year by the Turnaround Management Association.

With responsibility for the sale of a $6 billion consumer debt portfolio, Jim supported Gregory S. Milligan of Harney Partners in his role as court-appointed receiver in SEC v. Kevin B. Merrill, et al. (U.S. District Court, Maryland).

In roles as CEO and EVP of two significant Chicago-area nonprofits, led comprehensive turnarounds by improving fundraising, reducing reliance on unstable revenue streams, streamlining programs and improving quality, implementing a data-driven framework for key decisions, and selling low-mission-value assets to increase cash reserves.

Served as Associate General Counsel and head of Corporate and Securities Law Section. Supported the Sears Treasury, Financial Reporting, Accounting, and Investor Relations functions. Responsible for 20+ issuances of debt securities (asset-backed securities and general obligations). Instrumental in key M&A activity, including the divestiture of the $30 billion Sears Credit Division, the merger of Sears and Kmart, the acquisition of Lands’ End, and many other acquisitions.

Served as strategic advisor to Boys Hope Girls Hope International and its Board in (1) realigning the organization’s governance structure as it relates to the parent organization and local affiliates, and (2) improving the content and cadence of monthly financial reports and dashboards for all entities.

Represents Team Rubicon, an international disaster response nonprofit organization that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders, to rapidly provide relief to communities in need. Advises organization to maximize impact internationally in view through the complex maze of governance, operational, tax and legal implications of operating in multiple national jurisdictions.