BRILLIANT MINDS

JAMES M. TALTON Chief Operating Officer "I've learned that regardless of what business one works in, the bottom line is teamwork. By that I mean everyone pulls in the same direction as they work toward a mutual goal. Which can often be easier said than done but, in my experience, the rewards have always proven to be worth the effort."

BRILLIANT MINDS

Results-driven. From the executive suites and strategic human resource management circles to strategic planning and research management for global multinational firms, James M. Talton is an operations and human resource expert who gets things done.

Before coming to Synergy, James served as Executive Vice President of Human Resources for Forest City Enterprises. He received a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee, and a Master of Science in industrial and labor relations from St. Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania.

As Synergy's Chief Operating Officer, James is responsible for staff management, strategic oversight of all client projects, and business development. His interpersonal and relationship-building skills fit perfectly with Synergy's client-focused mission.

More than anything, Jim enjoys traveling and spending time with family. When he has the time, he loves to watch football (especially the Steelers — and yes, he still has friends here in Cleveland!). Jim has been contributing to the communities in which he lives and works for many years.

Jim founded a music school that to this day has educated hundreds of children. He has also founded a home for disadvantaged men, which today has grown to several properties. Finally, Jim is Vice Chairman of the board of OIC International, an organization that serves 27 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. He's got a big heart, alright — and he puts his money and his time where his mouth is.