Our Team

James Willey

As a consultant on the Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) Team, Dr. James Willey leverages his 25 years of experience as a postsecondary and K-12 leader and an innovative change agent.

James served as a college campus president and chancellor in one of Indiana’s largest postsecondary institutions. He also served as a superintendent at a public school district and as a K-12 principal. James has a proven track record as an innovative educational leader in local and statewide school improvement initiatives and college restructuring.

Drawing from his specialized training as an Indiana law enforcement officer, battalion fire chief, EMS responder, and school safety specialist, he is a published authority on school surveillance and safety.

James has served on multiple local and regional economic development boards and commissions and as a training adviser to local economic development organizations in their work with national and international site selection teams.

He holds a Doctor of Education in educational administration and supervision from Ball State University, a teaching certification from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice from Marion College. James brings another distinctive area of expertise to the SPI Team of consultants and researchers.