 |  - University of South Carolina, J.D., 1982; B.A. Business, 1979, Phi Beta Kappa
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Considered a national leader in economic development, state government budget and public education policy issues, former South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges serves as CEO of Hodges Consulting Group.
Hodges' broad vision coupled with his unique background position him to provide clients with strategic advice and creative solutions tailored to fit their specific needs. He is well connected and highly equipped to tackle situations in government, education, financial services, and business, among many other areas. Hodges also is an insightful speaker regarding economic trends, politics, and education issues.
As CEO of Hodges Consulting Group, Hodges:
- Assisted a leading international developer of logistics and distribution centers with its development project in SC and in planning future expansion projects throughout North America
- Assisted one of the nation's leading government consulting and privatization firms in earning large cost savings contracts in several states
- Assisted a Fortune 100 company in developing business opportunities for energy savings products for state and local government in the southeastern states
- Assisted a Charlotte-based real estate company in developing business opportunities in the area of university student housing
- Led a group of local economic development officials in a trip to Germany to explore development opportunities in the automotive sector utilizing his extensive contacts in business and government to make this trip a success
- Worked with one of the nation's largest Medicaid managed care organizations to find new market opportunities for its managed care, disease management, and pharmacy benefits management products
- Assisted several financial service companies in developing business opportunities with insurance companies, manufacturing, and public and higher educational institutions
- Led a major life insurance trade group in its state and federal regulatory affairs
Also Hodges was recently named National Co-Chair of Barack Obama's campaign for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination.
Jim Hodges served as the 114th governor of South Carolina. During Hodges' time as governor he fulfilled his campaign pledge to "focus like a laser beam on education." As a result, South Carolina:
- Led the nation in SAT score improvements during his time in office
- Established an education lottery in 2001 that today provides college scholarships for more than 100,000 students
- Created First Steps, a "public-private" pre-school readiness program impacting tens of thousands of preschoolers
- Provided one billion dollars in bonded school construction resources --without a tax increase -- resulting in new school building improvements all across the state
Hodges leadership as Governor also led to:
- Record economic development growth in capital investment and job creation in every region of the state
- A creative and competitive marketplace for the insurance industry --South Carolina is now considered a center for creative insurance solutions
- The creation of Silver Card -- an affordable prescription drug price relief program for seniors
Governor Hodges was very active with the National Governor's Association during his tenure. Hodges served as Chairman of the Economic Development and Commerce, Human Resources and Legal Affairs Committees. As Chair of these committees in 2000-2002, Hodges worked one-on-one with governors from across America developing detailed policy recommendations for Congress, federal agencies and the state and territorial legislatures.
Hodges also served on various other regional and national boards including the Southern Growth Policies Board (Chair 2002) and the Southern Technology Council (Chair 2001) and received the Travel Industry Association's National Special Service Award in 2002. He received Honorary Degrees for public service to the State of South Carolina; University of South Carolina, 1998; Winthrop University 1999; South Carolina State University, 1999; The Citadel, 2000. He also received the Silver Medallion Compleat Lawyer Award from the University of South Carolina School of Law and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of South Carolina School of Business. In December 2007, Hodges received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities from Francis Marion University for his public service, particularly in the area of education.
Hodges served 11 years in the S.C. House of Representatives (1986-1997) where he chaired the chamber's lead law making body, the House Judiciary Committee. He also served as Minority Leader. During his legislative service he was instrumental in the creation of full-day kindergarten, landmark government restructuring and significant judicial reform initiatives.
From 1990 to 1997, Hodges served as General Counsel and Secretary of the Springs Company, one of South Carolina's largest, private companies. While there, Hodges served on the Springs Company Board of Directors working with a variety of affiliates including Kanawha Insurance Company, Lancaster and Chester Railway Company, Charter Properties, various Springs real estate development companies, and the Springs and Close Foundations.
Previously, Hodges served as Lancaster County Attorney, and was in private practice for eight years.
Hodges is a 1979 graduate of the University of South Carolina where he earned a bachelor's degree in business and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated from the USC School of Law in 1982.
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