James Coss is an attorney and managing principal of a closely-held real estate business, overseeing the investment in and operation of agricultural business interests, mobile home communities, and residential real estate in the Midwest and Southwest. James is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization, capital allocation and investment decisions, and overall management of the combined enterprises. James considers himself lucky to work alongside family and friends and is proud of his history of building consensus to achieve consistent, profitable results for a diverse group of stakeholders. 

Previously, James worked as a tax attorney in Ernst & Young’s Washington National Office. In that capacity, James advised numerous Fortune 500 clients, managing teams of attorneys and advisors to design and implement complex restructurings and spin-offs, as well as seeking and obtaining private letter rulings from the Internal Revenue Service. James was also recognized for his technical contributions to the field of tax law, co-authoring numerous articles for publication and serving as a member of the Executive Board of the New York State Bar Association’s Tax Section at the time of his retirement. 

James grew up on a horse ranch in Cannon Falls, Minnesota where he developed his love for animals and nature. James went on to obtain a B.A. (with honors) from the University of Notre Dame and a J.D. and L.L.M (with honors) from Northwestern University School of Law.

James lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife Jamie, son Charlie (4), and their dogs Piglet and Beans. James and Jamie are committed philanthropists whose charitable interests include nature and conservancy, educational and material support for young children and disadvantaged families, and programs aimed at protecting the most vulnerable residents of the District of Columbia and surrounding area. James and Jamie are longtime supporters of the Smithsonian and the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, serving as members of the Smithsonian Regional Council. They are also involved in several local charities, including Feed the Fridge, the DC Diaper Bank, Miriam’s Kitchen, and the National Women’s History Museum, where Jamie serves on the Executive Board. In their spare time, James and Jamie like to spend time with family, explore the outdoors, and take Charlie to the zoo to visit his favorite animal, the sand cat.