“Work hard, keep the faith, and help others.”
With more than 35 years of experience at the intersection of human resources, global strategy, and organizational transformation, Jimmy Rafferty has built a career defined by purpose, agility, and enduring impact. From Fortune 500 firms to public institutions and international nonprofits, Jimmy’s leadership has consistently driven systemic improvement, empowered people, and delivered measurable outcomes across industries and continents.
Beginning in the public sector, Jimmy laid a foundation of civic engagement, policy navigation, and governance under pressure—skills that would prove invaluable throughout a wide-ranging career. As he transitioned into senior roles across business and nonprofit ecosystems, Jimmy distinguished himself through his ability to align people strategies with complex business imperatives, particularly in highly regulated industries such as financial services and life sciences.
A trusted advisor and strategic operator, Jimmy has led transformational workforce initiatives in dynamic, cross-cultural environments. His professional journey spans the United States, Hong Kong, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, where he cultivated operational resilience and inclusive cultures. Whether restructuring HR functions for global compliance, developing talent pipelines, or fostering leadership alignment, Jimmy’s approach is marked by empathy, innovation, and results.
His deep experience in navigating matrixed organizations and regulatory environments enables him to drive sustainable growth while maintaining integrity and governance. Known for crafting agile human capital strategies, he has helped organizations build cultures that elevate performance, engage employees, and respond effectively to change.
Jimmy’s entrepreneurial spirit and governance experience are reflected in his advisory roles with organizations such as the National Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute and the Mississippi Municipal League Community Health Partners. These appointments underscore his commitment to shaping healthier communities and stewarding mission-driven innovation at the board level.
In addition to his executive work, Jimmy is a sought-after speaker, leveraging decades of leadership to spark dialogue and inspire change. His ability to connect authentically with audiences—whether in corporate boardrooms or public forums—demonstrates a communication style rooted in clarity, purpose, and respect.
While he has served as Mayor and held other public service roles, Jimmy’s broader legacy lies in his consistent drive to unify people, align vision with execution, and lead with integrity across all arenas of influence. His civic engagement complements his global executive leadership, enriching his insight into both grassroots and institutional change.
Now pursuing expanded board service, Jimmy brings a rare combination of cross-sector expertise, cultural fluency, and heartfelt service orientation. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and contributing to boards that value ethical leadership, strategic foresight, and organizational transformation.
Character
Jimmy is a values-based leader who combines humility with determination. His approach to leadership is anchored in service, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to building better systems for people and communities.
Knowledge
Jimmy’s deep expertise in human capital, global business, and governance enables him to offer organizations strategic clarity and operational direction rooted in decades of practical experience.
Strategic
With an instinct for seeing around corners, Jimmy excels at crafting holistic strategies that balance immediate execution with long-term vision—across cultures, sectors, and organizational models.
Communication
Jimmy’s clear, compassionate, and persuasive communication style makes him an effective facilitator, keynote speaker, and executive partner. He inspires confidence while fostering connection and alignment.
