James Finley

James Finley is a Government Affairs Consultant with Hall Booth Smith, based in the firm’s Tampa office. He brings extensive experience as an entrepreneur, business executive, and financial services professional, advising clients on strategic growth, operational efficiency, and government-facing initiatives.

Prior to joining Hall Booth Smith, James built a distinguished career in financial services, beginning at SouthTrust Bank and continuing with Wachovia Bank and Wells Fargo Bank. During his tenure, he advanced from customer service representative to assistant vice president for Mortgage Servicing, developing deep expertise in mortgage operations, compliance, and client service. He later served as an independent contractor, providing training and operational guidance to banks and credit unions throughout the region.

James is also the president of several successful companies, including United Mortgage Group, The Finley Group LLC, Finley Media Group, and JDL Chemicals. He founded Finley Media Group in 2008, expanding it from a single streaming radio station into a multi-station media platform serving diverse audiences. In 2015, he established United Mortgage Group, a mortgage brokerage serving clients across Alabama, Florida, and Texas, recognized for its personalized approach and operational excellence. In 2018, he launched JDL Chemicals, supplying industrial chemicals to clients across multiple sectors.

As a Government Affairs Consultant, James leverages his cross-industry leadership experience to help organizations navigate complex regulatory environments, build effective relationships, and achieve measurable, sustainable results. His approach emphasizes strategic insight, long-term partnership, and practical solutions tailored to each client’s objectives.

James holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He is actively engaged in civic and community leadership and currently serves on the AdventHealth Foundation Board, the Hillsborough County Value Adjustment Board, the Tampa General Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) Board, and the Tampa Police Department Foundation Board.