REBECCA James
37 | Johnson Lambert LLP | Principal
Residence: Essex
Career highlight(s): Surviving the CPA exam has to be at the top of the list! More recently though, anytime I can work with a client to find a solution to a problem; master a new skill, concept or Excel
formula; or mentor someone and see them succeed, I get excited. I’m proud to be a part of leadership discussions and plans at the firm; it’s exciting to see growth and development and know that I’ve played a role in that!
Community Involvement: Thanks to a generous leave policy, including days for community involvement, I often spend much of December taking a break from auditing and instead, working with different groups to bring holiday cheer to others. It can be a hard time of year for so many, which is often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of preparations; helping someone during that is so rewarding. 
For the last several years I’ve worked with multiple organizations to sort and disburse gifts to children and provide holiday outreach meals. Additionally, in 2003, my extended family made the decision to no longer exchange holiday gifts and instead pool our resources to benefit the communities that we live in. This has ranged from donations to adopting families, kids and/or service members to buying out wishlists of local organizations. Outside of holiday endeavors, and when life is a bit more hectic, I make baby blankets for children in the hospital and shawls/lap blankets for those undergoing medical treatments.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? Despite all my travels, I’m always eager to return home to Vermont, where I was born and raised. There is a kindness and a simplicity found here that I have yet to find anywhere else.
Favorite part of your job? One of the greatest things about my job is that no two days are the same! I am also fortunate to work with great people, from associates to partners. All those I work with teach me and the partner group is supportive in challenging me and pushing me outside my comfort zone.
Most inspiring mentor and why: I am truly blessed with a host of mentors! My parents, who instilled a strong work ethic in me and my brothers; my grandfather, who debated business,
politics and life with me; and Bill Hill, who I owe (and at times, blame) for introducing me to accounting and helping shape my career path are all at the top of the list.
What three words best describe you: Type-A, organized, dedicated
Favorite Vermont escape: Recently, my favorite escape has been hiking at Indian Brook or Sucker Brook and enjoying the fall foliage!
Favorite downtime activity: Reading, baking or napping are all favorite downtime activities!
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: The person I'd most like to share a Vermont beverage with is Betty White - and not just because, as anyone will tell you, I’m a huge Golden Girls fan! During the course of her life, she’s seen and done amazing things,
including being a trailblazer and bucking stereotypes and traditions, and her involvement with a host of organizations has been inspirational. It would be awesome to learn more and hear her take on the world!
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: There are so many causes I would support! Cancer, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's research come to mind, along with supporting humane societies, mental health initiatives and veteran organizations.