James Dykes, J.D.
Lead Independent Director
James Dykes is a member of The NARBHA Institute Board of Directors and serves as President and Board Member of the Sustainable Economic Development Initiative (SEDI). In more than 30 years as a Flagstaff resident, he has held a variety of leadership and governance roles for non-profit and philanthropic organizations in social services, behavioral health and sustainable economic development. He recently retired from a 35-year tenure as General Counsel for the Medical Products Division of W. L. Gore & Associates in the practice areas of product liability, employment, commercial transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior divisional and corporate roles included leadership of a global commercial law team of legal professionals. Working extensively as a community volunteer, board member, and board leader has given him a depth of experience in governance principles and strategic leadership on behalf of critical community organizations. By planning and implementing the successful merger of two agencies that rescued a failing food bank, he supported the largest food security operation in Northern Arizona.