Donald James retired as CEO of Vulcan Materials in 2014 and as Chairman in 2015, after eighteen years in those leadership roles. During his time, Vulcan grew to be one of the largest public companies in Alabama. Vulcan’s enterprise value has grown from $2 billion when James joined Vulcan to $18 billion at the end of 2017. Prior to joining Vulcan in 1992, James was a partner in the law firm of Bradley, Arant, Rose, and White, where he served on the firm’s Executive Committee.
Over the years, James has been involved in many civic and community activities, including serving as Chairman of the Birmingham Museum of Art and The Mountain Brook Board of Education. He has served on the Boards of Birmingham Southern College, United Way of Central Alabama, McWane Center, Central Alabama Council of Boy Scouts, Children’s of Alabama, UAB Health Services Foundation, UAB Health System, Rotary Club of Birmingham, Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation, Hugh Karl Foundation, The University of Alabama President’s Cabinet, and The Culverhouse College of Business Board of Visitors.
On the national level, he has served on the boards of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Manufacturers Association. In 2009, James received the Corporate Citizenship Award from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington D.C. Currently, James serves on the Board of Directors of Wells Fargo and The Southern Company.
In 2009, James was selected to the Alabama Academy of Honor, a roster that is comprised of distinguished citizens of Alabama chosen for accomplishment or service greatly benefiting or reflecting great credit on the state. James grew up in Russellville and holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from The University of Alabama and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He and his wife Anna live in Birmingham and have three children, Dr. Virginia Grace Cohen, Clarence W. James II, and Julia Lundin, and five grandchildren.
