James Dykes, JD
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) and The Guidance Center (TGC). 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 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 more than 20 attorneys and 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.