Jim Simmons has been appointed the new Head of Membership for the Defense Alliance of North Carolina. The position will work in support of recruitment efforts to grow and expand the impact of the DANC.

Under the leadership of the Executive Director, his new position will assist with member outreach and help shape growth initiatives to include communication, guidance, lead follow up, goal setting, database updates, active participation in events, application processing, and retention. 

An expert in Public affairs, Jim is managing partner of The Stockdale Group, based in the Research Triangle Park, and focuses on energy, defense, manufacturing, economic development, and the nonprofit sector. His specialties include crisis management, stakeholder stewardship, and philanthropy. Jim is an award-winning writer, keynote speaker, columnist, radio talk show host, and CEO communications counselor.

He currently assists the Defense Alliance of North Carolina, the Cary, NC Chamber of Commerce, and the Town of Morrisville Environmental and Stormwater Committee.

He has been a distinguished visiting lecturer at the University of the Pacific, Golden Gate University and the University of San Francisco. He was professionally accredited (APR) in the practice of Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). His longtime employer’s workforce was awarded the national Points of Light Award for Excellence in Corporate Community Service.

Jim was a crisis manager for the Puerto Rican sinking and Golden Gate crude oil calamity, the Alameda Fairgrounds July 4th active shooter event, the Shell Marsh oil spill, the Nevada County Fair elephant controversy, the Avon refinery isocracker explosion and death, the Mojave Desert 2019 earthquake disaster, and many dozens more.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, magna cum laude, English and Comparative Literature, with Distinction in the Field, from San Diego State University.