James Snyder
VP of DEI & Community
James Snyder, an MBA candidate, grew up in the serene, snow-covered landscape of White Bear Lake, just a stone's throw from the iconic Lakeside Club featured in the Coen Brothers' 'Fargo.' With a profound admiration for the storytelling prowess of Spanish auteur Pedro Almodóvar, James holds 'All About My Mother' in high esteem as his top film choice. His affinity for academia and higher learning was kindled during visits to his grandparents home in Los Angeles, both academics and social justice activists, setting him on his path to USC.
Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, complemented by studies in Film, Television, and New Media, James embodies a blend of analytical rigor and creative flair. His professional journey at Mercer saw him leading key people strategies for firms like Disney, Wynn Resorts, and Cirque Du Soleil, adeptly navigating the intricacies of the entertainment ecosystem. His instrumental role in the launch of Wynn Encore Boston Harbor and strategic contributions to Cirque Du Soleil's acquisitions demonstrate his knack for high-stakes negotiation and foresight.
James's stint at Huron refined his media strategy skills, particularly evident in his pivotal data visualization work for NYC's COVID-19 response, enhancing public and strategic communications during a critical time. This, coupled with his successful sales efforts at KTCA-TV and his production of the compelling documentary short film 'Serenity,' showcased at the Chicago Art Institute, underscores his commitment to elevating diverse voices and stories within the media landscape.
Films I love: All About My Mother, Persona, Red Desert, Nomadland, Sunset Boulevard, Lost in Translation, Spirited Away, anything Hitchcock or Almodóvar, The Sekeleton Key, The Gift, sucker for documentaries, film-noir, auteurs, arthouse, student films, drama-comedy and black-comedy.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamessnyder1
Email: James.Snyder.2025@marshall.usc.edu
Fun Fact: In college, I had the opportunity to produce a documentary short film, which was featured at the prestigious Chicago Art Institute.