A Tiburon resident since 1990, James was honored as 2018-19 “Citizen of the Year” for his longstanding support of, not only the Tiburon chamber and its community events, but many local, county and national organizations.

James and his company, Main Street Research, have found many ways to give back to the community. Every quarter, Main Street gives a percentage of its profits to a charity. These have included the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Marin Food Bank, USO, World Villages for Children, American Lung Association and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

On the Tiburon peninsula, James is a supporter of many charities and schools, has been a sponsor of the Chamber’s Friday Nights on Main since its inception and donated 40 flat-screen monitors to the Belvedere-Tiburon Library as well as giving back to the Tiburon Landmarks Society. It is also one of the first financial services firms to receive the Bay Area Green Business designation for running a truly green business.

For the past 10 years, Main Street Research has had an internship program for college students, giving them the opportunity to “test the waters” of an investment firm. “Some of them love it and go on to work in the business,” James says, “ and others decide it’s not for them – and that’s o.k., too. This is one way I can pay it back.”

The Sustainable Endowment was written for executives and board members of small- to mid-size U.S.-based nonprofits, charities, or foundations. Running a nonprofit requires specialized knowledge and skills, especially regarding foundation management and investing your endowment so it remains sustainable for years to come.

This book walks you through the basics and best practices of what you need to know to be successful.