Board Chair Edward R. James

 Ed James, chairman of Edward R. James Partners, LLC, a real estate development firm, was elected chair of the board of directors of Presbyterian Homes in April 2009. He has served on the board of directors since 1974, chairing the Buildings and Grounds Committee for many years and more recently the Long Range Planning/Marketing Committee.

Mr. James has a long association with Presbyterian Homes, beginning as a very young man when his mother served on the board. She later became a resident. Subsequently, as a member of the Building and Grounds Committee, James was very involved with the remodeling of the Westminster Place Campus in Evanston and also in the planning of Lake Forest Place.

“Our organization is one of the strongest, most respected leaders in the retirement and assisted living industry,” says James. “My first priority is to maintain and grow our leadership position while constantly searching for new opportunities to expand our services.  In this uncertain economy, we face significant challenges and increased competition. We will strive to meet those challenges with commitment and resolve.”

“I also want to stabilize our charitable programs and expand them prudently in this environment. A good example is Devon Place, our new Neighborhood Homes affordable housing residence in West Rogers Park,” James continued. “We have a century-old mission to help older adults of limited financial means have safe comfortable places to live. With the generosity of our extended family of supporters and donors to the Geneva Foundation and The Second Century Fund, my goal is to maintain and expand that mission.”

Mr. James has a degree in economics from Michigan State University. He is a past Trustee of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and is a Governor of the Urban Land Foundation. In 2001 he was awarded the ULI Chicago District Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also a member of the Chicago and National Homebuilders Association, the Economic Club of Chicago and Commercial Club of Chicago.  Outside affiliations include past president of the Western Golf Association, chairman of Michigan State University Foundation, a National Trustee of Boys and Girls Clubs of America and of Northwestern University Associates.  He is also finds time for golf, skiing, boating and travel.

James and his wife Jeannie have two daughters, two sons and 15 grandchildren. They are members of the Kenilworth Union Church.

(Photo available in Image Gallery)