James W. Harper

Background

About James W. Harper

James W. Harper, LEED AP, MCA is a graduate of the Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Architectural Engineering. He is Hensel Phelps’ District Director of Supplier Diversity with oversight of the Greater Nashville Area of the Southeast District, based out of Orlando, Florida. James’ first 10 years with Hensel Phelps were spent in operational roles including field engineer, office engineer, and project engineer. During his time in the field he closely managed trade partners and vendors in turn, developing several rewarding relationships with these entities. Presently, James utilizes his multiple skill-sets to mentor small business trade partners and provide them guidance towards meeting their overall growth development objectives. As the District Director of Supplier Diversity, James passionately ensures these small businesses are afforded the maximum amount of contract opportunities on all projects designed and/or built by Hensel Phelps’ Southeastern District. He creates innovative proprietary programs that facilitate achieving maximum long-term community, workforce and small business development objectives. He is also highly skilled in the transfer of technology and developmental teaming relationships between large and small businesses, including mentor-protégé, joint ventures and co-ownership structures. James has been active in industry associations for more than 10 years. He was recently a board member of the Run-Hope-Work job training program and serves on Associated Builders and Contractors Baltimore Contractor’s Development Committee. He has provided workforce consultation to several entities for best practices including DC's Department of Employment Services, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, the Workforce Investment Council, and Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, James participated with the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association, the National Association of Minority Contractors and the National Society of Black Engineers.