James Nevels


James E. "Jim" Nevels is an American business executive, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. As a businessman, he is known as the founder of The Swarthmore Group. He is the former chairman of The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and former chairman of the board of The Hershey Company.

Early life

Nevels was born in Alabama.
Nevels earned a scholarship to study at Bucknell University.
and graduated with an AB degree He earned his MBA from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
and his Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978.

Business career

Wall Street

Nevels was recruited by a client of the law firm and moved to work on Wall Street.

The Swarthmore Group

Nevels started The Swarthmore Group in November 1991. His first client was the City of Birmingham, Alabama.
The Swarthmore Group closed in June 2022 and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in August 2022.

Business Council For International Understanding (BCIU)

Nevels was appointed chair of the Business Council For International Understanding in June 2021.

Board Roles

Nevels has been involved with following boards/organizations:

Personal life

Nevels is married to Dr. Lourene Ann Dellinger Nevels. They have no children. Nevels is a licensed psychologist in private practice, director of a university counseling center, a college professor and published author of children's books and books on psychology.

Philanthropy

Bucknell University

Nevels and his wife, both class of 1974, endowed the Robert Gross scholarship.

Manor College

Nevels and his wife, donated to the Manor College Veterinary Technology Program.