James L. Francesconi was appointed to the Oregon State Board of Higher Education in February 2007, and served as Vice President of the Board from 2009-2011. Francesconi is currently an attorney with the law firm of Haglund, Kelley, Horngren, Jones, and Wilder LLP, and has an extensive background in community and public leadership.

Francesconi is well known as a champion of all levels of education from K-12 to higher education. He is a co-founder of Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN), which provides before- and after-school programs, and the Portland Workforce Alliance, which partners employers with high schools providing mentorships and work experience.  He serves as a member of the Thomas A. Edison High School Board, the World Affairs Council Board, the OMSI Emertus Board, and, most recently, the St. Andrew Natvity School Board.

Francesconi served as a city commissioner on the Portland City Council for two terms, from 1997 to 2004, managing Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Department of Transportation, and Fire and Emergency Services. For 18 years he successfully ran a litigation firm that he founded, during which time he also became a leader in the social justice-based Portland Organizing Project, and founded the Youth Employment Empowerment Coalition.

Francesconi received a B.A. in Humanities from Stanford University, and his J.D. from the University of Oregon. He is a member of the Oregon State Bar.

Mr. Francesconi's term expires in 2016.

Committees: Academic Strategies Committee (chair)