James Luster, C12 Chair - East Tennessee

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James says, “Becoming a C12 chairman has been the convergence of my entire career.”  James comes to C12 possessing a breadth of experience ranging from campus/church ministry to over 28 years in business with an emphasis on manufacturing. He is passionate about building strong companies for the glory of God in East Tennessee.

As plant manager of a $23 million manufacturing facility supplying the gas range industry, James led a three-shift, 300 employee operation to year-after-year productivity improvements, sustained profitability, and an excellent reputation with its customers. This was done largely through the use of continuous improvement tools, including Six Sigma and Lean.  James also held a variety of other management positions including Manufacturing Manager, Materials Manager, and Manufacturing Systems Manager. His diverse background includes international management roles in plant/business start-up in China, as well as driving operational improvement and new operation ramp-up in Mexico. While living with his family in China, he served as the Consulting Manager for a U.S. software company, where he served as part of a Christian management team dedicated to doing business in China for a greater purpose.

James earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee.  He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Ashland Theological Seminary.  After completing his education, James was the Administrator of a Christian work-study program at the Grace Haven Ministry Center in Mansfield, Ohio.  He served for over 25 years as an elder/pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Mansfield.
 
James has been married to his lovely wife Judy for over 37 years and lives in Chattanooga.  Together they have home schooled and raised three daughters and one son.  They have two granddaughters.