08 Dec A Conversation with James Garrison
A Conversation With:
James Garrison
Pacific Federal, LLC
President
How long have you been volunteering in the community?
Over the past three decades, I have actively supported many worthwhile organizations and causes in our community. I first started volunteering as a board member for the Sherman Oaks Hospital and Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley. I now devote my time and energy into supporting numerous other non-profit organizations, working to effect positive social and economic change.
I currently serve on the executive board and board of directors for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and as co-chair of its Health Care Council. I am also a member of the board of directors for the Music Fund of Los Angeles and El Proyecto del Barrio, Inc., a board of governor for The Valley Economic Alliance, and chair of the Development Council for Loyola Marymount University’s Center for the Study of Los Angeles. I recently accepted an invitation to serve on the board of directors for the Dolores Huerta Foundation, which is very close to my heart due to the close personal friendship I share with the founder, Dolores!
Through the years, I have been recognized for my community involvement by Valley Industry Commerce Association, Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, Teamsters National Hispanic Caucus, Farmworker Justice, San Gabriel Valley Civic Alliance, Southern California Chapter of the Teamsters National Black Caucus, March of Dimes and Dolores Huerta Foundation. I am truly humbled to work with so many amazing leaders in business, labor, government, education and health care who are striving to improve economic conditions and quality of life in the San Fernando Valley and beyond.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I currently serve as president of Pacific Federal, LLC (PacFed), one of California’s most experienced employee benefits firms and have worked in the health insurance industry for more than 40 years.
Headquartered in Glendale, PacFed, a company that I founded in 1977 is now a subsidiary of Zenith American Solutions, which serves nearly 2 million families from over 45 offices across the U.S. In the mid-1980s, I co-founded one of the nation’s first Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), distinguished as the first PPO to establish relationships with national insurance carriers. In addition to my involvement with many community-based non-profit organizations, I am a past member of the California Electoral College and California Democratic Party Finance Council.
I have resided in Glendale with my beautiful wife Rachel for the past 33 years and together we have four grown children and eight grandchildren. One of our shared passions is making Latino artwork accessible to the community through our support of local artists and public exhibitions. Our family enjoys hiking, boating, traveling and spending time together in Mammoth.
For more information visit my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-garrison/
What is one of your Passion Projects that you are working on?
I am especially passionate about helping non-profit organizations, especially those that are just starting out, to prosper and grow. I am particularly inspired by individuals who work tirelessly each day to help create healthier communities, assist children and families in need, and advocate for the underrepresented.
Why do you continue to be a member of The Valley Economic Alliance?
I am a member of The Valley Economic Alliance because I believe in giving back to the community where I raised my family. I appreciate the organization’s work to improve the economic vitality of the San Fernando Valley, as well as the many resources it brings to local employers.