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James Schmeling has extensive work experience in various leadership roles. James served as the President and CEO of the National Defense University Foundation, where they focused on supporting the university's students, faculty, and leaders through connecting private sector leaders, building relationships, and establishing resources for the university's priorities. Prior to that, they worked as the Executive Vice President of Student Veterans of America, where they led the organization's financial and reputational re-building and collaborated with universities to recruit veterans into higher education. Schmeling also co-founded and served as the Managing Director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on supporting veterans and their families. Before joining IVMF, they held the position of Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at the Burton Blatt Institute, where they directed operations and established partnerships with academic institutions and government agencies. Additionally, Schmeling has contributed to academia as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Iowa College of Law and as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Iowa College of Education. James has also held leadership roles at the Law, Health Policy & Disability Center and served as a Technical Applications Specialist in the Air Force, developing leadership and project management skills.

James Schmeling attended Iowa State University, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Their major was in Political Science and they also pursued a minor in International Studies. James later went on to attend the University of Iowa College of Law, where they obtained a J.D. degree. Additionally, in May 2015, they obtained a certification in Introduction to Marketing from Coursera Verified Certificates.