Janet James General Partner & COO
Path to RockPort
After starting her career in energy funding at Banque Paribas managing an international finance portfolio in excess of $1 billion, Janet moved into an operating role. She became EVP and CFO of Citizens Corporation, a diversified group of independent energy companies with revenues of over $1.5 billion and operations in crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas, electricity and energy conservation. Prior to joining RockPort she was CEO of Citizens Gas Supply Corporation, the nation’s first independent natural gas marketer, which she led through a period of rapid growth culminating in a successful strategic sale of the company. Janet is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a BA in Government, and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Other Passions & Pursuits
- Perkins School for the Blind, chair of the board.
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Regenerative Medicine
- Innovation Fund, co-founder and director.
- Private Equity CFO Association, member.
QUICK FACTS
Company involvement
- Aspen Aerogels
- Satcon Technology Corporation
Came aboard RockPort
1998
Education
Columbia University
Dartmouth College
PERSONAL INSIGHT
Janet is very involved in advancing the education of blind and deafblind children around the world through her work with Perkins School for the Blind (which counts Helen Keller among its graduates). She finds that Perkins and RockPort have a lot in common. Both organizations know firsthand that when their leadership and hard work converge and translate to success, they have done something important for people around the world. Whether they are bringing hope and opportunity to blind children or addressing the world’s energy needs, the rewards are numerous.