"When the Answer is No Longer the Point"

James Pierce currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI), a mission-driven manufacturing and employment enterprise, where he oversees operations, finance, human resources, and enterprise technology strategy. He brings more than 34 years of leadership experience spanning technology, operations, digital transformation, governance, and commercial strategy across public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

Prior to joining MDI, Mr. Pierce served as Chief Information Officer at Korn Ferry company SALO from 2022 to 2024, leading enterprise systems, cybersecurity, and modernization initiatives. Before that, he held senior leadership roles at Cargill, serving as Chief Information Officer for Cargill Premix Nutrition and later as Senior Director of Commercial Business Development, contributing to global technology strategy, enterprise transformation, and commercial growth initiatives.

Mr. Pierce currently serves an independent board member for Jefferson Capital and as an Independent Director of Minnwest Bank, where he chairs the Emerging Technology Committee and serves on the Audit Committee. His board and governance experience includes oversight in regulated financial services, enterprise risk management, cybersecurity, responsible AI governance, and fiduciary stewardship.

In addition to his corporate leadership roles, Mr. Pierce has served on the Edina City Council since 2020 and is active in nonprofit and civic organizations focused on economic development and health advocacy.

Mr. Pierce holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Tuskegee University and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management.

James and his wife, Stephanie, live in Edina and are proud parents of three daughters.