Jimmy’s public service includes extensive international trade/investment and economic development activities with direct nexus to job creation as Cabinet Secretary for Maryland Governor, and Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Virginia Governor. Jimmy orchestrated and facilitated investment and trade missions, fostering strategic partnerships with prominent Asian political figures and corporate entities. His efforts included recruiting global conglomerates and implementing various economic development and investment programs that contributed to entrepreneurial growth. Jimmy also implemented the “National Export Initiative and Entrepreneur Program” in conjunction with the White House to develop and promote a business-friendly environment to create place-based job opportunities.
In Maryland, Jimmy played a crucial role as a principal advisor to Governor Larry Hogan, focusing on addressing challenges faced by the state’s 620,000+ small businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans. His responsibilities included managing issues related to access to capital and policy implementation. Jimmy was directly responsible for overseeing economic procurement programs, defining contracting goals, introducing best practices, and ensuring their effective implementation across 70 state agencies, which encompassed universities, utilities, and casinos.
In Virginia, Jimmy instituted programs, policies, and strategies to stimulate economic activities. He collaborated with various agencies dedicated to promoting the growth of Virginia’s business community, with goals that included fostering tourism, ensuring workforce development, linking investments to energy/infrastructure projects, and promoting local products in international markets.
Jimmy has over 20+ years of private sector entrepreneurial experience in change management, enterprise creation and growth with extensive record of directing turn-around situations ranging from manufacturing to software companies, in addition to identifying new strategic opportunities within the context of evolving macro factors (e.g., shifts in politics/policies, technology, demographics, etc.) and connecting interdependent factors for economic strength, investment growth, etc.
At present, in collaboration with the Livingston Group, established by Bob Livingston, the former Speaker-Elect and Chair of the Appropriation Committee of the U.S. House, Jimmy provides guidance to Asian conglomerates and investment firms. His role involves navigating the intricacies of the U.S. government and market, securing capital infusions, and facilitating middle-market M&A deals in the energy, technology, and real estate sectors.
Jimmy is a highly sought-after speaker at business and community events. Additionally, he holds board positions in various professional, educational, and civic organizations. Notable affiliations include the Investment Oversight Committee at MCEC (Maryland’s Green Bank), Harbor Bank of Baltimore, Salinger Business School of Loyola University, Morgan State University Graves Business School, NE Maryland University Research Park, MHz Networks, Interprise Investment, and more. He has received numerous awards from professional organizations and industry leaders, including the prestigious Korean Presidential Medal for Outstanding Korean American in Economic Development.
Jimmy earned degrees from Johns Hopkins University (MAS/MBA) and the University of Maryland (BS). He also studied law for two years, holds a professional certificate in sustainable energy from Stanford University Center for Development, and is a certified performance coach.