Tom James

Vice President, Business Services

What my friends think I do:

Smile & shake hands. Schmooze, just like your dad! Sell partnerships.

Official Bio:

Tom James is a born & raised, multi-generation Ocala-native, who earned a Bachelors in Communications from UCF & AA Degree from the College of Central Florida. As Director of Executive Engagement, Tom oversees all Sponsorship procurement, manages relationships with CEP's Executive Tier partners & oversees all Executive Tier events, including the Biannual Chairmans Lunches, quarterly Executive Roundtable Lunches, & quarterly CEO Network Receptions. Tom also hosts the CEP Weekly Buzz & writes the Beyond Networking article in CEP Network Magazine.  

Locally, Tom served as President of Leadership Ocala’s Class-38 in 2024-25. He serves on the City of Ocala’s Utility Advisory Board, is a United Way volunteer, member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, and is a regular host/emcee for various community events. He was named “Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year” in 2023 by the Florida Public Relations Association’s Ocala Chapter.

Before returning to his hometown in 2012 with his wife Heather, Tom worked as an Account Executive at Sun Broadcasting in Fort Myers/Naples. He spent seven (7) years helping Fox News Radio become the #1 billing station in the Southwest Florida market.

Additionally, Tom is a freelance Television Sportscaster with over 25 years in the business. A 2-Time Edward R. Murrow Award Winner & former 2-time NBC-TV affiliate Sports Director/Main Anchor, Tom currently does Play-by-Play & Studio Hosting for the ESPN Family of Networks, CBS Sports Network, Celebrity Sweat, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Florida Gulf Coast University, & the ASUN Conference. 

He & his wife Heather have a little dog named Kikki.