James Stuart

Executive Director - Minnesota Sheriffs' Association

James Stuart began serving as the Executive Director for the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association following his retirement from public safety in early 2023. He had served in a wide variety of roles over his four decades of service, culminating in his last twelve years as the elected Sheriff of Anoka County, Minnesota. Sheriff Stuart’s experience has allowed him to be recognized as a national speaker, presenter and instructor who has provided leadership in a wide array of challenging environments. He has been tasked as a consultant and advisor for developing national policies, training, and reform efforts for law enforcement in partnership with the Department of Justice, the National Institute of Corrections, and the White House. He spent most of his law enforcement career with the sheriff’s office as he advanced through various ranks and responsibilities. During his tenure as a supervisor and as a command staff member, he was responsible for the supervision and oversight of Field Training Operations, K-9, Honor Guard, and Civil Process Units. He oversaw the Office of Professional Standards, the S.W.A.T. Team and later was responsible for the Patrol and Administrative Divisions before being elected sheriff. Sheriff Stuart served on the Executive Committee for the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association and was the association President in 2022. He has also been active on the national level with the National Sheriffs’ Association as a Vice President, Executive Board Member, and several national committees; he is a also an active member of many other state and national associations. He served as the Secretary / Treasurer for the Joint Law Enforcement Council and Chair of the JLEC Central Communications Committee. He is a past Board Member for the Governor’s Forensic Lab Advisory Board, Equal Justice Committee, the Executive Committee for the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, The Frontline Foundation, MN Adult & Teen Challenge, Play to Your Strengths and Hope 4 Youth. Sheriff Stuart is also the former Chair for the MN North Central HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) and Past President of the Anoka County Chiefs of Police Association. He believes that community involvement is a fundamental element of leadership. James has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 36 years and they have 3 adult children. He is a Marine, and a graduate of St. Mary’s University and the National Sheriffs’ Institute and studied Public Safety Leadership at the University of MN. He is committed to the development of our youth, community partnerships and service that exceeds expectations. His leadership during the riots, COVID and civil unrest coupled with his overall background has allowed him to earn a variety of recognitions and awards. Some of Sheriff Stuart’s awards include the “MAGNUS Princeps Leadership Award” by The National Command & Staff College and the Criminal Justice Commission for Credible Leadership Development. He was nominated for “National Sheriff of the Year” and awarded the Medal of Merit by the National Sheriffs’ Association in 2015, 2016 and 2019 for his contributions to the community and to the field of criminal justice. He was also given the “President’s Award” by the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association in 2018 for working “Unselfishly” and “Tirelessly” for the good of the State of Minnesota and its citizens. James has a demonstrated commitment to providing the best possible services to the communities that he proudly serves and actively participates in numerous collaborative efforts across the region and the nation. It is his belief that by working together, we can make a difference.

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