James Lomax, Corporate Office Properties Trust. Top 40 Under 40

James Lomax, Vice President of Asset Management & Leasing at Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT), is responsible for overseeing growth and asset performance of COPT’s portfolio in Huntsville, consisting of the 468-acre master planned, mixed-use, EUL project Redstone Gateway, as well as the Class A office building located at 310 The Bridge Street. The overall portfolio currently consists of over 2.1M square feet of Class A office and retail space.

Outside of his role at COPT, James was elected to the Alabama State House of Representatives for District 20 in 2022. James was appointed by the Huntsville City Council to the Medical Clinic Board – Fifth Avenue in 2016 and re-appointed in 2020. In 2021, he was additionally appointed by the Huntsville City Council to the University of Alabama in Huntsville Building Authority Board. James is a contributor to the University of Alabama Center for Real Estate Blog and is the host of Uncommon Access, a podcast where Huntsville’s thought leaders  discuss trending topics around defense, business, and what the future of work looks like in the region. He is currently a board member of the Huntsville Rotary Club. 

James previously served as past president of Rotaract Club, treasurer of the North Alabama Commercial Real Estate Association (NALCOM), was a local Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year nominee in 2017, 2019, 2020, and was a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man of the Year nominee in 2014. James Lomax received his undergraduate at University of Alabama in Huntsville and his graduate degree at the Lipscomb University College of Leadership & Public Service. Outside of business, James’ hobbies include reading, running, and spending time with his wife and one year old daughter. 

Huntsville was recently ranked the 4th most prosperous city and one of the best places for career building opportunities. Why do you think Huntsville is so unique for younger career seeking individuals and entrepreneurs?

Huntsville is a place that has something to offer everyone, and everyone has something to offer it. One of the reasons I decided to remain in Huntsville after graduation was the fact that I could be a part of helping to shape the culture of the city. Nashville, Atlanta, other major metropolitan areas already seemed to have their own identity, but 10 years ago, Huntsville was just coming into its own. Now we have unique developments, great employment opportunities, a budding food scene, sports, and music. It is what you make it!

What’s the best place to grab a drink, coffee, tea, etc. in town?

Some of my favorite places for coffee are Offbeat, Honest Roasters, and Just Love. Can’t go wrong with a waffle sandwich at Just Love.

What is your favorite thing to do in Huntsville on the weekends? 

Spend time with my wife Elizabeth and our daughter, Alice.