James B. Saakvitne brings over 35 years of extensive experience in finance, credit origination, and strategic leadership in global investment banking. Known for his strategic vision, exceptional communication skills, and trusted advisory capabilities, Jamie’s career has spanned prominent roles at prestigious institutions including Barclays and JPMorgan Chase.
Jamie began his professional journey with a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in History from Yale University, further enriched by earning a Master’s in Business Administration from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. His educational background fostered a unique blend of analytical rigor and historical perspective, shaping his approach to strategic financial management.
At Barclays, Jamie served as Managing Director and Head of Municipal Credit Origination from 2009 to 2021. He spearheaded the establishment of a successful credit origination group that provided critical financial support to municipalities and major non-profits, scaling the portfolio from inception to $9 billion and generating annual revenues exceeding $35 million.
During his tenure at Barclays, Jamie became renowned for his exceptional ability to navigate complex transactions. He consistently demonstrated deep expertise in structuring innovative solutions tailored to client needs, effectively combining financial acumen and strategic insight.
Jamie’s earlier career at JPMorgan Chase saw him excel in various pivotal roles. Notably, as Managing Director and Head of Tax-Exempt Credit Origination, he expanded the business significantly, managing over $32 billion in credit facilities for municipal and nonprofit clients and overseeing a dynamic team of professionals.
A highlight of his international experience was establishing JPMorgan’s private banking credit presence in Southeast Asia, based in Hong Kong. There, Jamie successfully navigated diverse cultural and regulatory landscapes, providing strategic guidance and credit solutions across multiple Asian markets including the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore.
Before his impactful career in finance, Jamie contributed significantly to nonprofit development through his roles at renowned institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, underscoring his lifelong commitment to arts and culture.
Currently semi-retired, Jamie remains actively engaged through board service and pro bono consulting. His roles on boards like the National Institute for Social Sciences and The Green Room Ensemble allow him to leverage his extensive experience to guide strategic decisions, organizational growth, and financial stewardship.
His recent tenure at The Frederick R. Koch Foundation further illustrates Jamie’s capabilities as a visionary strategist. He helped shape the foundation’s mission, develop strategic partnerships, and effectively manage prominent cultural properties across the U.S. and Europe, significantly enhancing the foundation’s international profile and operational impact.
An advocate for continuous personal and professional growth, Jamie maintains diverse interests, including classical music, restoring historic properties, and supporting international LGBT rights, exemplifying his commitment to community enrichment and personal excellence.
Character:
Jamie exemplifies integrity, trustworthiness, and a collaborative spirit. He fosters relationships built on trust and consistently demonstrates high ethical standards.
Knowledge:
With profound expertise in finance, municipal credit, and international markets, Jamie leverages deep industry insights to drive impactful decisions and strategic initiatives.
Strategic:
Jamie excels at navigating complexity, proactively identifying opportunities, and crafting innovative financial and operational strategies that achieve organizational objectives.
Communication:
A clear, persuasive communicator, Jamie articulates complex financial concepts effectively, fostering strong relationships and alignment across diverse stakeholders.
