Episode 123: Jim Bates

Jim Bates, PMP (certified Project Management Professional) is the founder, President and CEO of Business Improvement Group, Inc. (BIG) and an Adjunct Professor in several schools at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), including the Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) program. Jim has served in various volunteer roles with the Project Management Institute Alaska Chapter (PMIAK) Since 2011 and served as Chapter President from October 2019 through December 2021. Jim’s vast career spans 40+ years with proficiencies in Business Management, Project Management, and Information Technology. Jim is a certified leadership coach with GiANT, a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and holds Master Certificates in Business Analysis, Lean Six Sigma, and Project Management from Villanova University. Jim has been published in CIO Review and Government Technology magazines among various other publications, and is a public speaker and renown expert on leadership, business process improvement, project management, and information technology. Jim is an experienced executive and consultant who is passionate about leading business transformation and offering innovative, high-value solutions to everyday business challenges. He has a proven ability to successfully analyze an organization’s critical business requirements, identify deficiencies and potential opportunities, and align and integrate technology. He strives to help companies develop innovative and cost-effective solutions for enhancing competitiveness, increasing revenues, and improving customer service offerings. Jim and his wife, Mechelle, (both life-long Alaskans) live in Eagle River, Alaska where they raised seven children. They now enjoy 15 grandchildren. Jim likes outdoor activities, woodworking, and reading. He enjoys giving back, and in addition to his contributions to local charities, has been involved in numerous missions to Africa and the Philippine Islands contributing to, promoting, and implementing quality-of-life improvement.