James ‘Jim’ Hepworth

James is a Director with more than 27 years of experience working with The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Human Resource Management Certificate from Saint Mary’s University, with a depth of experience and skill in financial planning, business analysis, marketing, team management, written and verbal communication, professionalism, leadership and negotiation.

Over the years, James has held multiple senior positions with The CMM, including Director of Community Programs and Corporate Services.

His experience has provided him insight into effective community engagement, planning knowledge of Mi’kmaq organizational structure and operations and expertise in a range of fields build around serving Mi’kmaw Communities.

James currently is the CEO of Business Development and Social Enterprises, The CMM’s business development arm.

During his tenure as CEO, James has helped grow the business side of The CMM by overseeing the construction of the new CMM offices in Millbrook.

He provides advisory services to several CMM internal projects, ranging from the construction and installation of artificial reef balls in a Coastal Restoration project, expertise in planning and development of the Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy, a charitable land trust, assistance in business and operations of the Mi’kmawey Forestry Initiative, among others.

James has expanded The CMM’s operational capacity and streamlined its effectiveness as an organization.

Presently, his role entails management of the business operations of Woodland Print Communications Company, the CMM’s publishing enterprise, and its flagship newsprint publication, Mi’kmaw Maliseet Nation News.

The newest addition to Business Development and Social Enterprises’ portfolio is an intensified focus on social enterprise development – this includes the reinitiation of Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledges Studies, and other services, like environmental monitoring.

Business Development and Social Enterprises has recently launched a new joint venture with Office Interiors, a leading Atlantic Canadian retailer of office furniture and technology.

James is a member of the Economic Development Committee with the Tripartite Forum; the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers and the Board of Directors for the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre.