JAMES WATERS
James Waters is the Chief of Staff of Compass Partners Advisors in New York, where he oversees day-to-day operations of the firm’s advisory and investing business. He also serves on Compass’ senior partners committee and its investment committee.Outside of his work responsibilities, James is the Chairman of the Serve America Movement, Inc. (SAM) and a Board Director on the Agawam Council.
In his previous life, James was a former United States Navy SEAL platoon commander. A Lieutenant Commander, he served on active duty for six years, followed by a five year (ongoing) stint in the United States Navy Reserve. Among deployments to various locations, he served in combat during Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). During his active duty service he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation (two awards).
Prior to the Navy, James served as a White House aide in the Bush Administration. He worked at the White House from 2001-2005, serving as an aide in the Office of Management and Budget and then as the Deputy Director of Scheduling. He left the White House in 2005 to join the military.James is a cum laude graduate of Harvard College and was a George F. Baker Scholar at Harvard Business School. He currently lives with his family in Connecticut.