Board of Directors

Following a ten-year career in Los Angeles City government as Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff to two City Council Members, James founded The Santa Maria Group. In addition to these duties, James was also a Deputy to Mayor Richard Riordan; responsibilities in the city included serving as the lead staff member to the Housing and Community Redevelopment Committee, as well as the Budget and Finance Committee. Leading to his political advocacy, James managed and oversaw the development of a multitude of civic projects including affordable housing projects, cultural and recreational centers as well several public infrastructure projects. Today, James continues to work with all levels of government and advocate for his clients to bring commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects. James advises local elected officials and candidates in multiple campaigns both on the local, state, and federal level. James graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with a degree in Political Science and Economics. He is the Vice President of the Asian American Small Business Political Action Committee (AASB PAC) which has helped elect most of California’s State and local elected officials and is also a Board Member of the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles.