James D Williams
Board Member
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James has held senior Financial management positions across the High-Tech sector. His expertise spans corporate finance, accounting; internal controls, acquisitions & divestitures, and strategic planning. His High-Tech employers included Nokia, Juniper Networks, Sun Microsystems, plus other early-stage and Fortune 500 companies.
James has devoted himself to community service in San Jose, including interim service as Senior Policy Director for District 3 (Downtown) City Council in 2025. Currently, James serves as Board Member for Symphony San Jose and the Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation, while supporting numerous Downtown San Jose community service efforts. His past service includes a nonprofit executive role with Opera San José as Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director, and Board President & Treasurer for San Jose Jazz.
James earned his Master of Business Administration from Carnegie-Mellon University (Pittsburgh), following an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Belmont University (Nashville). He was also licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) during his tenure with Price Waterhouse Coopers.

