AYS Alumni Council Spotlight: Brian James

ATLANTA — For Brian James (B.A. ’99, M.S. ’01), the path from understanding people and culture to shaping public policy began at Georgia State’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. His journey is exemplary of the lasting impact of mentorship.

James’ academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in anthropology at Georgia State in 1999. Seeking to bridge his interest in culture with a more scientific approach, he turned to the Andrew Young School for his graduate studies.

“I was interested in splitting the difference between understanding people and culture and the scientific side of things, such as statistics or public policy,” James said.

James’ academic and professional path was influenced by several faculty members, including Professor Emeritus Harvey Newman who, at the time, was involved in the curriculum for city planning and urban development in Atlanta, and Katherine Willoughby, a former professor of public management and policy in the college.

Under the guidance of then-Assistant Professor Julia Melkers, James worked as a graduate assistant, which paved the way for his Master of Science in Urban Policy Studies, completed in 2001. These mentorship relationships were instrumental in shaping James’ future career, he believes.

James’ time at Georgia State extended beyond the classroom, as well.

“When I wasn’t working as a research assistant or learning in class, I would be going to Georgia State’s basketball games and listening to the radio station, which made me feel a part of the school’s culture,” he said.

A conversation with a fellow student about her internship at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) led James to explore this opportunity. Armed with reference letters from Willoughby and Melkers, he secured an internship in summer 2001, which turned into a full-time position with the GAO after graduation.

Now, almost 23 years later, James serves as the assistant director of the strategic issues team at the GAO, specializing in international tax policy and administration. His current project involves examining the use of the tax system to encourage investment in clean energy, such as solar panels and electric vehicles.

James’ career has been marked by impactful experiences. He fondly remembers a project examining tax responsibilities for U.S. citizens living abroad, which took him to Tokyo and Singapore to meet with government officials and expatriate U.S. business owners.

“Generally, I appreciate the opportunity to make the government work better for its citizens,” he said. His work has yielded significant results.

“Over the course of my career, I have helped improve financial benefits and better use of taxpayer money of well over $5 billion with the teams I’ve led or managed,” he proudly noted.

James’ commitment to giving back led him to join the AYS Alumni Council as a member of the Social and Engagement Committee.

“Joining the Alumni Council is taking that next step of having even more of an influence on other students who are figuring out their career path or are interested in my profession,” he said. “I want to be a resource and mentor to anyone at AYS that I can help support.”

For James, being an AYS alumnus means more than just holding a degree.

“It's given me the ability to find and pursue my potential,” he said.

To this end, he tells students to leverage their network.

“Your professors are not just available to teach you, but they want to help you succeed. They are an asset, available to help support and foster your potential,” he said.

James’ journey from urban anthropology to tax policies showcases the diverse paths Georgia State can open for its students and the enduring impact of mentorship in shaping successful careers.

Are you an alum of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies? To connect with alumni like Brian James, learn more about how you can get involved with the AYS Alumni Council and stay updated on AYS news and opportunities, click here.

- By AYSPS Graduate Student Assistant Ayomidotun Olugbenle (M.A. in Political Science)