James Alex rejoins RSM to lead government affairs practice

James Alex, an experienced tax leader in government and professional services, has rejoined RSM as leader of US public policy and government affairs.

In his new role, Alex will provide clients with guidance on policy developments in Washington and key state capitals. He will also engage with policymakers on issues that affect the middle market.

“James’s appointment strengthens RSM’s ability to deliver insights that matter to middle market clients as they modernize, grow and navigate change while enhancing our presence in the broader policy landscape,” said Stuart Taub, enterprise industry and markets leader with RSM US. “His deep experience navigating complex policy environments will help clients anticipate challenges, seize opportunities and make informed decisions – and will enable RSM to continue shaping the conversations that affect the middle market.”

Alex most recently spent nearly two years as state tax commissioner for the Commonwealth of Virginia. In the role, he oversaw collection of more than $30 billion in state revenues, led a team of 750 employees, and advised the Governor and other stakeholders on tax policy.

Before that he spent four years with RSM, where he was US tax growth leader, and one-and-a-half years with the US Department of the Treasury, where he was senior advisor to the assistant secretary for tax policy.

Earlier in his career, Alex spent two decades with EY, where he was a partner in the national tax practice.

He holds a juris doctor from the University of Virginia, a master of laws from Georgetown University, and a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech.

“RSM is making a significant investment to expand our insights into the middle market, and those insights will support policymakers in making crucial decisions,” Alex said. “In my role, I look forward to elevating the middle market’s voice. As these businesses grow, they face increasing policy risk, and RSM stands ready to help them navigate it.”

RSM is the fifth-largest accounting and consulting firm in the United States, with revenue of $4 billion and approximately 17,000 employees.

The firm recently hired Joseph Taiano as chief marketing officer.