Jim Penniman-Morin emerges as an accomplished and multi-faceted legal professional, bringing a wealth of experience from both the private sector and public service. As the Senior Legal Counsel at SparkCognition, a leading innovator in the artificial intelligence industry based in Austin, Texas, Jim expertly manages a broad spectrum of legal matters. Their legal acumen covers managing litigation, negotiating high-stake contracts, safeguarding intellectual property, and ensuring agile contracting processes that synergize with the company’s rapid expansion.

Jim's legal expertise is grounded in a rich history of transactional practice, particularly in structuring mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, and corporate transactions, with a keen focus on sectors such as energy, technology, aerospace, and defense. They are also deeply committed to public service, evidenced by their concurrent role as Mayor of Cedar Park, Texas, where they strategically guide the city toward sustainable growth. Prior to this, Jim served as a City Council Member, contributing to pivotal policy and budgetary decisions that have shaped the community's future.

Their distinguished profile is further enhanced by their dedicated military service, having served as an infantry platoon leader on combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, an experience that undoubtedly enriches their leadership and crisis management skills. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and Georgetown University Law Center, Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Military History and has complemented their legal practice with roles that support national security and defense policy. The combination of their legal prowess, commitment to public duty, and over 2,000 LinkedIn connections testify to Jim's influential presence and their significant contributions to both their industry and community.