Chris James He/Him/His

Chris James is President and CEO of the country’s foremost Indigenous business and economic development focused organization. Chris is an expert on the Indigenous economy, Native American policy, and economic development.

Chris has guided The National Center into its sixth decade. Under his leadership, The National Center has more than doubled its annual revenue, expanded its national footprint, and grown its staff. In addition to hosting the annual Reservation Economic Summit (RES). The largest conference and trade show focused exclusively on the American Indian economy. The National Center has implemented the Native Edge Institute series, one day training sessions designed to give both established and emerging entrepreneurs the tools they need to take their next step. Under Chris’s leadership, The National Center has an increased focus on international trade, in particular Indigenous to Indigenous trade. The organization also serves as an important connector between corporate America and Native-owned businesses seeking to enter their supply chains.

Chris serves on numerous boards and leadership committees, including with the SBA, Federal Communications Commission, World Trade Organization, the Center for Indian Country Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (where he co-authored a paper on COVID 19’s impact on
Native American businesses and entrepreneurs), Junior Achievement USA, and First Peoples Worldwide. He is a frequently requested speaker, panelist, moderator, and guest for a wide variety of conferences, events, and organizations. He has testified on Native American and Alaska Native policy before Congress. Chris lives in Gilbert, Arizona.