James Walton

James Walton is President of the Collaborative Brain Trust, where he leads the firm's overall strategy and day-to-day operations, including sales, marketing, and business development. He oversees both the university and community college portfolios, managing complex engagements for some of the nation's largest and most diverse higher education institutions.

He brings a cross-functional background spanning information technology, student life, economic development, governance, fundraising, and external relations. That breadth allows him to work effectively across cabinet-level leadership, faculty, staff, boards, and external stakeholders, translating strategy into execution while navigating the realities of institutional culture and constraints.

Selected experience

• Vice President of Business Development for the Science & Technology Campus Corporation at The Ohio State University, leading business development for the university's research park
• Associate Director of Strategic Relations in the Office of the President, The Ohio State University
• Office of Economic & Workforce Development, working at the intersection of higher education, industry partnerships, and regional economic strategy
• Advises universities, community colleges, and public-sector organizations on initiatives that strengthen institutional capacity and advance student success
• Work spans institutional strategy, organizational effectiveness, workforce alignment, and large-scale change initiatives