James S. Gilmore
Partner, Kelley Drye and Warren
Former Governor of Virginia
James S. Gilmore was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and received an undergraduate degree in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia in 1971. After a three-year tour as a U.S. Army counterintelligence agent in West Germany, he entered the University of Virginia Law School, graduating in 1977. After working for a decade in community service and as a lawyer in private practice, he was elected Commonwealth's Attorney in his home county of Henrico in 1987 and 1991. He was elected Virginia Attorney General in 1993 and Governor in 1997. As Governor, he established a record of success in improving education in Virginia and providing tax relief to Virginia's working families.
While governor, James Gilmore created the nation's first secretariat of technology, established a statewide technology commission, and signed into law the nation's first comprehensive state Internet policy. During his term as Governor of Virginia, he chaired the national Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce which was charged with making recommendations to Congress on Internet taxation, an issue of global significance.
Since 1999, Governor Gilmore has been Chairman of the Congressional Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction, also known as the "Gilmore Commission." This national panel was established by Congress to assess federal, state, and local governments' capability to respond to the consequences of a terrorist attack. The panel submitted its findings to the President and Congress each of the past four years and is extended until December 15, 2003. This Commission was also influential in developing the Office of Homeland Security.
Currently, Governor Gilmore is a partner at the law firm of Kelley Drye and Warren where he practices corporate and technology law and provides advice to clients on homeland security issues in the areas of public relations, information technology, and international relations.
Appearances
Biography last updated June 6, 2003