With nearly 30 years of experience in lobbying, grassroots organization, development, and public affairs—21 of which are specific to Oklahoma—James Milner brings an elevated level of policy and advocacy expertise to a broad client base.
James began his political career after earning a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Economics with a minor in Political Science from San Diego State University. He started as a Research Analyst for the Arizona State Senate, specifically for the Senate Commerce, Labor, Industry, and Banking Committee. After over three years as a staffer, he moved to Washington, D.C., to serve as the National Rifle Association's Regional Director in State Affairs. In this role, James lobbied state legislators in more than 25 states, successfully managed legislative programs, and led media initiatives, with his work featured in publications such as the Washington Times, Wall Street Journal, and Denver Post. He also appeared on syndicated radio and television programs, including MTV, Good Morning America, and Fox News. Before leaving the NRA, he was promoted to Federal Affairs, where he lobbied in Congress.
In 1994, James joined Bonner and Associates, a national grassroots development firm, where he oversaw several projects before returning to Oklahoma.
In 1995, James took the helm of Oklahoma Citizens for a Sound Economy, a grassroots public policy think tank. Under his leadership, the organization doubled in size—from 4,000 to over 8,000 members—in less than two years. He played a prominent role in legislation affecting taxes, economic development, and government reform. Oklahoma CSE was instrumental in legislative efforts related to tort reform, healthcare reform, mandated insurance benefits, telecommunications and utility deregulation, and tax reform. James authored numerous articles, op-eds, and policy papers that were regularly published in The Oklahoman, Tulsa World, The Journal Record, and Dallas Morning News. He also appeared on Oklahoma television and radio shows, including Flashpoint and Mike McCarville’s Open Mike Live.
In 1998, James founded The Milner Group, a public affairs consulting firm specializing in communications between the private and public sectors.
He was appointed by Governor Keating to the Citizens Task Force on Taxation and by State Treasurer Robert Butkin to the Oklahoma Academy of State Goals’ Task Force on the State Constitution. James is also actively involved in various civic organizations, having served as president of several boards.
“Jim has the rare combination of political savvy and gregarious personality that makes him a highly successful issue messenger both to elected officials and to stakeholders. He gets the most difficult jobs done.”
