James Nichols

Jim is a Senior Associate and the Business Development Leader with O’Brien Atkins Associates,

one of the state’s leading architectural and engineering design services firms. He has been with

the firm since 2003 and is responsible for helping build stronger relationships prospective

clients. Prior to joining O’Brien Atkins, Jim worked for 17 years with the North Carolina

Department of Commerce.

In his role, Jim works closely with economic development allies across North Carolina at the

local, regional and state levels. He and his firm have also worked with private sector allies to

help recruit many of the State’s largest life sciences and IT projects. Jim has also assisted with

several international initiatives and has participated on economic development trips to Japan

and China. He served as a Board Member with the North Carolina Economic Developers

Association.

Jim holds a Masters of Public Affairs degree from NC State University and a Bachelor of Arts

degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.