James Cousar

Developed a structured coaching framework focused on career transitions, leadership development, and young professional skill growth. Researched and built personal branding strategies for professionals looking to advance in leadership roles. Created interview preparation and job search methodologies tailored for early to mid-career professionals.

Managed a hybrid and international data operations and analytics team, ensuring systemwide data accuracy and developing data analytics tools. Developed processes, as well as operational and strategic goals to align with annual Nasdaq goals. Led the execution of a year-long data integration and data migration project for a key client.

Collaborated with product owners to design, create and enhance products to add breadth and depth to eVestment’s Private Markets product suite. Member of a cross functional team responsible for creating data governance rules and best practices across four internal databases. Designed SQL-driven solutions to automate reporting, reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency.

Coordinated internal alignment of data operations and projects to meet changing needs and requirements of the larger business unit. Ensured timely completion of various initiatives directly related to release of commercial Private Markets dataset.

Reduced the amount of time necessary to create key stakeholder deliverables by 60% and increased accuracy of the resulting data. Designed and implemented data processes from the ground up to build the Private Market Data Set in a start-up environment for a newly launched business line and product.

Led smaller data operations teams by setting guidelines, targets, and best practices for team members to follow. Composed and delivered quarterly performance evaluations to a team of six and played a key role in team members’ professional development.

Created tools and queries using Microsoft Access and VBA to gain efficiencies in team workflow. Aggregated quarterly private equity benchmark data into exhibits to produce asset class commentaries and institutionalized the process.

Coordinated and aggregated ad hoc data requests into single deliverables for firm stakeholders. Participated in data reconciliations of private equity funds to ensure historical accuracy. Led the coordination of logistics and execution of new hire training within the department.

Assisted with planning and execution of ad hoc projects across the team. Used research and analysis to answer inquiries from internal stakeholders and clients regarding private equity fund performance. Collected data to track performance of 200+ private investment funds across different asset classes.

Activities and societies: Minors: Economics, Entrepreneurship

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business Management, focusing on the economic principles and entrepreneurial aspects of the agricultural sector. Minored in Economics and Entrepreneurship, gaining a comprehensive understanding of business operations within an agricultural context.