Jim is a Senior Advisor at AVAC and collaborates across the entire organization. He directs The Choice Agenda project, a global initiative launched in 2022 that is focused on HIV prevention research and implementation. Consisting of a robust discussion list, with nearly 2,000 subscribers from over 40 countries, The Choice Agenda also curates a monthly webinar series on a timely range of topics. Additionally, he supports AVAC efforts on the US domestic advocacy front, with a special emphasis on PrEP equity.
A long-time community partner to AVAC, Jim previously worked at AIDS Foundation Chicago for 17 years, where he helped launch and lead the International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA). Additionally, he led the development and implementation of social marketing campaigns focused on syphilis, crystal methamphetamine, gay/bi men’s health, and the world renowned PrEP4Love campaign, one of the first social marketing efforts to pair PrEP with intimacy and pleasure.
Jim took on his role at AVAC in 2022, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in HIV advocacy. POZ magazine refers to him as a “soldier, instrumental in fighting for much-needed new prevention methods, undeterred by subjects many would prefer to ignore.” He is married to his best friend, is a member of Chicago’s LGBT Hall of Fame, and has been living with HIV since 1995.