James Amato

As Growth Leader, James works with the new business team to cultivate strong agency partnerships, drive innovative solutions for clients, and develop strategies to improve long-term agency profitability. Focused on fostering trust and encouraging organizational growth, James uses data to solve complex problems for our clients and build sustainable expansion opportunities.

A gifted communicator and leader, James has over 20 years of experience spanning marketing and communications, corporate sales, economic development, higher education, and nonprofit management. Prior to joining Walk West, James co-founded and served as Director of Strategy & Business Development at Capitol Broadcasting Company’s Capitol B, a full-service strategic marketing agency. He has also held various leadership roles at WRAL, served as a liberal arts college dean, and worked closely with C-level executives to drive philanthropic efforts in the greater Raleigh/Durham area.

James is passionate about giving back to his community. He’s actively involved with a variety of organizations, having served in leadership roles with RTP Rotary and Leadership Triangle. He is a Leadership Triangle Goodmon and Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and is on the North Carolina Economic Development Association’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Committee.

He holds a BA in Elementary Education from West Liberty University and an MA in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. When he’s not busy strategizing with the team, you’ll likely find him spending time with his wife, Jessica, and their three kids. James is passionate about staying active, exploring North Carolina, and cooking.