James S. Schwab '88

'80's Classes Trustee

Jim Schwab currently serves as the Director of the Office of Management Policy, Rightsizing and Innovation at the Department of State, primarily focused on developing management strategy and solutions for the Department. In this capacity, Jim oversees the Policy, Rightsizing and Innovation directorates as well as the Center for Analytics, a group dedicated to enhancing the Department’s ability to leverage data for making policy and management decisions essential to achieving its diplomatic mission.

Jim is formerly a Founding Partner of CrimStone Partners, a private equity firm based in Dallas, Texas. From 2005-2017, Jim led the growth and development of CrimStone’s first portfolio company, Pallet Logistics of America, as co-President and later the CEO. During this period the PLA team built the company from a local mom and pop operation into one of the largest and most respected wooden pallet recycling companies in the United States, ultimately leading to a successful recapitalization of the company. He is also a former board member and Chairman of the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association.

Prior to founding CrimStone, he was a Vice President and Managing Principal in Ericsson, AB's Global Services business unit where he co-led the development of the consulting and wireless data application development business in North America. He was also Vice President of Operations for Paging Network, Inc., responsible for leading turnaround efforts in supply chain, logistics and the wireless data subsidiary.

Prior to PageNet, Jim spent four years as a consultant and engagement manager with The Boston Consulting Group and five years as an officer in the United States Navy, where he was a nuclear surface warfare officer and deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1992.

Jim holds a BS (with distinction) in Mathematics from the United States Naval Academy, is a graduate of Naval Nuclear Power School, and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Jim has been president of the USNA Class of 1988 since 2013 and is a trustee of the Alumni Association and Foundation Athletic Scholarship Programs. He has been a President’s Circle level contributor for 10 years, and is active in helping raise funds for the Naval Academy.

He has been married to his wife Jacqueline for 28 years and the couple has three children. He is active in his church and is enjoys golf, sailing and reading.