James T. (Jim) Byron has been involved with the Richard Nixon Foundation for nearly 15 years, gaining a wealth of experience in strategic planning, message development and nonprofit advancement.

In close collaboration with nationally-syndicated radio host Hugh Hewitt, and with Hewitt’s mentorship, Byron managed the Foundation’s staff and operations, including marketing and communications, business and philanthropic development, finances and accounting, and external relations as the Foundation’s Executive Vice President. He led the planning, message development and execution of more than 30 events annually on the Yorba Linda campus, and in Washington, DC.

In 2016, Byron led the year-long planning efforts for the reopening of the Nixon Library after a $15 million renovation. These two days of packed events were attended by more than 3,000 people and 40 international media outlets; Byron directed a coordinated effort of more than 100 individuals in its execution. He also led the planning and execution of the strategic communications campaign to launch the New Nixon Library, which —combined— reached more than 100 million people and won five PR-industry association awards.

From 2014 to 2017, he worked as coordinator of the Foundation’s successful $25 million capital campaign, working directly and closely with campaign chairman Fred Malek. Shortly thereafter, he led the planning and rollout of innovative mission-based programs, including civic educational initiatives that are ongoing.

Byron is a native of Santa Monica, California and grew up in Orange County. He is a graduate of Chapman University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Minor in History. He was Vice President of Phi Delta Theta’s California Phi Chapter. He now serves as Chairman of the California Phi Chapter Advisory Board and a member of the Board of The Pacific Club in Newport Beach.

Byron is the author of A President Comes Home, the official Nixon Library commemorative book and a history of the Nixon Presidential Library (2018). He lives in Costa Mesa and enjoys playing tennis and golf.