A Mars resident, James has previously served as Robert Morris University Chief of Police, Seneca Valley School District Director of Safety & Security, and as a United States Secret Service Assistant Special Agent in Charge. He also served a Senior Advisor to the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump.
He holds a master’s degree in national security and resource strategy with a concentration in weapons of mass destruction studies from National Defense University (Washington, D.C.); a master’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in criminal justice from Fort Hay es State University (Hays, Kan.); and a bachelor’s degree in education from Clarion University. He is also a graduate of the Secret Service Special Agent Training and Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Beginning with the 2025-2026 School Year, James will replace Jeff Bitzer, who has served as the District’s Director of Safety & Security since 2018. He will oversee the District’s School Police Force of five armed School Police Officers, one stationed at each of the District’s five school buildings throughout the school day and during evening activities/events, where needed.
In addition, James will be responsible for all training and scheduling for School Police Officers as well as for overall District security. As his office will be located at Mars Area High School, he will also serve as a second armed police officer at that school.
The appointment of James as Director of Safety & Security accompanies the District’s planned move from a “hybrid” School Police Force model, consisting of both School Police Officers (employed by the District) and Municipal Police Officers (employed by Adams Township), to an “internal” School Police Force model that is comprised of District-employed, armed School Police Officers at all sites.
“While similar to the current hybrid model, this new structure is designed to improve internal communication and organization through a unified chain of command and clearer accountability,” says Dr. Mark Gross, superintendent.
For more information, call (724) 625-1518.