Jim BrownAuthor Jim Brown has an extensive background in government, media and interpersonal relations. He is the Tennessee State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business, Tennessee's and the nation's leading small-business advocacy assocition. An advocate for thousands of small businesses, he works with leaders at the state and federal level on general interest issues for entrepreneurs. He was named to NashvillePost.com's "In Charge" list of 400 influential Middle Tennessee leaders from 2011-2016. He served previously as NFIB's Senior Media Manager, Corporate Communications Director at Gaylord Entertainment, the Business Editor of The City Paper in Nashville, and as an Investment Broker at J.C. Bradford & Co. After graduating from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor's degree in Communication in 1987, Jim served in the U.S. Navy as a Supply Officer on a nuclear cruiser out of Norfolk, Virginia, overseeing four separate divisions. He is active with causes dedicated to wiping out cancer, including as Chairman-elect of Gilda's Club Middle Tennessee, a cancer support group. He volunteers regularly at Room in the Inn, a support program for Nashville's homeless community. He also served in various roles with Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee and Prevent Blindness Tennessee. Jim enjoys spending time with his family, biking and hiking, travel, reading, and really good food. Read More Read Less