Having spent two thirds of his career in corporate executive roles in telecommunications and computer services, and a third leading a think tank on ethical business cultures, Ron James brings academic insights and practical business experiences into the classroom.
James’ portfolio includes service on corporate and nonprofit boards of directors; teaching business ethics in the graduate programs in the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business and the ethics and compliance degree program co-sponsored with the University of St. Thomas Law School; and working with corporate clients.
James is passionate about working with today and tomorrow’s business leaders in recognizing, developing and sustaining their ethical framework that guides decision making impacting their personal, social, professional, and civic communities for generations to come.
James believes it is essential to compliment the student’s development through academic rigor with exposure to practical experiences from business executives, lessons learned from cases and simulations.
- James, R., Goodpaster, K. E., & Rodbourne, D. (2015). A force for good: How enlightened finance can restore faith in capitalism. Corporate responsibility in America: Two centuries of evolution. New York: Palgrave MacMillan
- International Award for Pioneering in the field of Business Ethics Education, Society, 2006
- Lifetime Achievement Award -Governance in Corporate and Non-Profit, Twin Cities Business Monthly and the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors, 2011
- Outstanding Director's Award, Twin Cities Business Monthly and the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors, 2011
- Top 100 Most Influential People in the world in Business Ethics, Ethisphere Magazine, 2010
- Presentations
- "Leading ethics and compliance professionals from our region" Society for Corporate Compliance and Ethics, Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 01, 2014
- "Leading HR practitioners in our region" Human Resources Executive Counsel, October 01, 2013
- "Building corporate conscience within American refining group" Conference of Ethics & Responsibility in Engineering and Technology, Marina Del Ray, California, June 01, 2005
- Allina Health Systems - Quality and Population Health
- Bremer Financial Corporation
- RBC Funds
- United Way - Greater Twin Cities
- The Greater Twin Cities United Way, Board Member
- Adjunct Instructor, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul / Minneapolis (2004 - present)
- President and CEO, University of St. Thomas - Center for Ethical Business Cultures (CEBC), Minneapolis (2000 - 2017)
- Adjunct Instructor, University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management, Minneapolis (2003 - 2009)
- President and CEO, Ceridian Human Resources Group, Ceridian Corporation, Minneapolis (1996 - 1998)
- Vice President & CEO Minnesota and Regional Vice President, US West Inc., Minneapolis (1990 - 1995)
- Vice President & General Manager - Large Business Customers, US West Inc., Minneapolis (1987 - 1990)
- V.P. Communications Services & Advanced Information Markets, Northwestern Bell, Minneapolis (1985 - 1986)
- Sales, Marketing and Operations, Northwestern Bell, Minneapolis (1971 - 1984)