For more than 30 years, James Bernard has worked at the intersection of social impact, partnerships, and communications. Having worked in and traveled to more than 50 countries, he brings a deep understanding of the cultural, economic and environmental challenges that multisector partnerships can address.
In 2022, James founded Parallax Advisors, a consultancy focused on helping organizations
increase their impact through partnerships. Through Parallax, he works with multinational companies, NGOs, and foundations to help structure business strategies that can leverage new partners and channels in emerging markets. Prior to founding his own firm, James was Vice President of Resonance Impact Advisors, a boutique consulting firm that works with donors and companies. James also spent 15 years at Microsoft, including eight as Senior Director of Global Strategic Partnerships for the education group, where he led a team that was responsible for building partnerships with publishers, education technology companies, NGOs, and international development organizations. He also held a variety of communications positions focused on consumer technology and digital access programs for emerging markets.
James previously served for 10 years on the board of Pact, a global NGO, and teaches a graduate-level class on the intersection of partnerships and technology at the University of Washington’s Jackson School of Public Policy. He lives in Seattle.