James E. Simpson, MPA: Public Affairs Specialist

Jim Simpson, MPA, joined the Center in August, 2008, where he serves as Public Affairs Specialist for the IntegratedEthics initiative. Jim is responsible for providing marketing and communications planning and tactical support for a wide range of IntegratedEthics initiatives and programs.

Prior to joining the Center, Jim worked in the private sector for 12 years in various management roles in the Marketing Department at Safeco Insurance. At Safeco he had responsibilities for the creation of marketing and sales collateral materials, the corporate brand identity and graphic standards, various promotional activities, and the management of the sponsorship of Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners.

Jim is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who spent most of his time in either public affairs or human resources assignments. While with the Army Reserve Command he managed a number of national programs including the Retention Awareness Program providing marketing and support materials to retention NCOs throughout the command. He also served a tour of duty as Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Washington where he was responsible for recruiting and marketing in addition to teaching responsibilities. As a Public Affairs Specialist for the Army Recruiting Command, Jim worked closely with field recruiters providing them with local advertising and promotional support materials.

Beginning his government service by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, Jim subsequently completed Officers Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. He then served a combat tour in Vietnam where he was assigned as the Communications Officer for the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines in I Corps.

Jim graduated summa cum laude from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a BS in Mass Communications specializing in advertising and public relations. He attended college under the G.I. Bill and was president of the campus Veterans Club. Jim also holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Puget Sound and he has completed a graduate level certification program in Integrated Marketing Communications at the University of Washington. He is a member of the American Marketing Association, The International Association of Business Communicators, and is a former accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America.