James C. Morgan is an influential nonprofit and philanthropic leader, based in Silicon Valley, who has worked extensively in the worlds of both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. He led the semiconductor equipment giant, Applied Materials, for nearly three decades — one of the longest tenures of any Fortune 500 CEO. He recounts those years, and the many lessons he learned, in his first book, Applied Wisdom: Bad News Is Good News and Other Insights That Can Help Anyone Be a Better Manager.

Nonprofit and Philanthropic Contributions
In 2007, Jim co-founded, with his wife Becky Morgan, a former California State Senator, The Northern Sierra Partnership, a pioneering collaboration bringing five conservation nonprofits together to do what none could do alone. The partnership has successfully preserved over 103,000 acres in the California Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Jim served as both a California and global trustee, as well as co-chair of the Asia Pacific Council of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a worldwide nonprofit focused on programs that “Protect Nature and Preserve Life.” He was honored with The Nature Conservancy’s prestigious Oak Leaf Award.

In 1993, Jim and Becky cofounded the Morgan Family Foundation. Their shared goal is to change lives and transform communities.

Recognition and Awards
Jim has served as a technology adviser to three U.S. presidents, including George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. In 1996, he was presented with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Bill Clinton.

He was instrumental in creating The Tech Interactive’s Tech for Global Good awards and inspired the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award, honoring individuals whose broad vision and leadership are focused on combating critical global problems. Past recipients have included Bill Gates, Gordon Moore, Al Gore, and Julie Packard.

Jim says of his work with Applied Wisdom for the Nonprofit Sector: “I hope to provide succinct leadership tools and techniques for people who work in nonprofit organizations, small or large, new or well-established, regardless of their position or title. My goal is to help them accelerate their development as leaders.”

Jim and Becky Morgan reside in Northern California near their two children and five grandchildren.