James has had an extensive career in government relations and has worked collaboratively with many state, local, and federal government leaders for almost two decades, bringing extensive experience on both the private and public sector of law-making. In his previous role as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability (TCAD), he participated in several lectures, public speaking engagements and various legislative taskforces that amplified his network of government connections. James also has experience working as a government relations professional in the private sector.
As lead for lobbying and public policy activities in Tennessee, James helps clients and fellow attorneys navigate the complexities of the legislative process and executive branch regulatory structure to advance client interests. James has secured various legislative victories, including an amendment to the County Powers Relief Act resulting in an estimated $5 million dollars for Maury County Schools, lifetime permits for a sightseeing transportation corporation, and a $400 million dollar permissive tax cut on groceries.
James began his work in the public sector as a Field Director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in the Middle Tennessee region in which he coordinated a canvassing team in several business districts. Since then, James has amplified his experience in the public sector serving as the Field Director for Lt. Gov. Ramsey and a Legislative Liaison for the Tennessee Department of Military. He also worked as the Chief Advisor to House Majority Leader, Rep. William Lamberth in which he collaborated with various executive branch employees ranging from commissioners to legislative liaisons for purposes of shepherding legislation through the legislature and successfully fostered and maintained relationships with members of the Tennessee General Assembly, media, and government relations professionals.
Select Experience:
Executive Director, Appointed by Governor Lee | Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability (TCAD) – Nashville, Tennessee
Chief Advisor to The House Majority Leader | House Majority Leader, Rep. William Lamberth – Nashville, Tennessee
District Director to Congresswoman Diane Black (TN-6) – Middle Tennessee
Nashville School of Law, J.D., 2012
Western Kentucky University, MPA, Master of Public Administration 2006
Western Kentucky University, B.A., Political Science and Criminology, 2005
District Court of Middle Tennessee
April 26, 2024 | Blogs
On April 25, 2024, in a significant development for taxpayers doing business in Tennessee, both the ...
February 8, 2024 | Blogs
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee delivered the State of the State address on February 5, 2024, in which h...
January 11, 2024 | Press Releases
Frost Brown Todd’s Nashville office has added James Dunn as Counsel. He will further build out FBT...