James Sly serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Grossmont Healthcare District, leading initiatives that strengthen community health, expand access to care, and support local residents across East County. A Santee native, James has spent his career building partnerships between business, government, and education to create opportunity and improve the quality of life in the region. Before joining the District, he served as President and CEO of the East County Economic Development Council, where he helped small businesses grow, developed workforce programs in healthcare and manufacturing, and secured millions in state and federal funding for the community. James earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from San Diego State University and his MBA from Western Governor’s University. He also holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from UC San Diego and completed executive leadership programs through Harvard Business School.