Donna James Steps Down as Chairperson of National Women’s Business Council

The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC), a leading independent voice for women entrepreneurs, announced today via press release that Donna A. James will step down from her post as chairperson. James, who was appointed by President Obama to serve as the chair of NWBC in October of 2010, will continue to serve as Chair through May 31, 2013.

James rose through the ranks as an executive at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and serving as President of Nationwide Strategic Investments, a division of Nationwide Insurance. In 2005, James was ranked among the “75 Most Powerful African Americans in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise. She currently serves on the board of directors for several companies including Limited Brands, Time Warner Cable, and Marathon Petroleum Corporation. She is currently President and CEO of Lardon & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in advising business leaders on issues related to corporate governance, business development, strategy, and financial and risk management.

Under her strategic vision the Council has developed a strong platform to advocate for policies to increase opportunities to resources that enables women to start & achieve success in their businesses. She has helped build an engaged, informed group of women business owners to serve as a full council with the expertise to focus on finding solutions to the most pressing issues facing women entrepreneurs today.

“Under Donna’s leadership, the National Women’s Business Counsel has played a vital role in helping women entrepreneurs and business owners realize their full potential,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills . “Inclusive entrepreneurship is the driving force in growing our economy, and as an advocate for the millions of women-owned small businesses here in the United States, Donna has worked tirelessly to promote effective, concrete strategies to help them grow and create jobs.”

“In a challenging economic and political environment, Donna’s steady leadership helped guide the effectiveness of the Council in its recommendations as well as created frameworks for its continued growth and continuity,” said Anie Borja , the Council’s executive director.