Jim Modica

Rural Minds Vice Chairman

Jim Modica is the Vice Chairman of Rural Minds. He brings more than 30 years’ experience in communications and marketing research in areas that include agricultural products, human pharmaceuticals, medical devices, regenerative medical technologies, consumer healthcare, and consumer products.

Jim is also chief operating officer and co-founder of Jeff Winton Associates. In addition, he founded and is principal partner of West Mill Consulting LLC. In this capacity, he has provided clients in the agricultural and healthcare fields with marketing strategy, public relations, internal and external communications, branding and creative development support, as well as executive recruitment for key positions.

Previously, Jim was senior manager of marketing communications for Johnson & Johnson. While with Johnson & Johnson, Jim’s attention focused on the J&J professional companies and he led internal teams and managed outside communications agencies and vendors to provide public relations and advertising support to achieve global company and marketing goals. He also was responsible for planning, developing, and implementing sales support strategies, programs, and communications materials. Jim served as a key member of product development and global product launch teams introducing new products and technologies into the marketplace. Jim also played a key role in hiring and development of management and support positions within the company.

Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Jim held the position of product information and communications manager with the former American Cyanamid Company, which was acquired by American Home Products (now Pfizer, Inc.). In this position, he was responsible for planning, developing and implementing of marketing communications programs, sales force support programs, and materials for a variety of agricultural products.

Jim also served as a long-term consultant in the role of associate director of marketing research for NPS Pharmaceuticals. As associate director, he held a leadership role on marketing teams responsible for developing and commercializing new biological products.

Jim has worked with several regional, national, and global agencies in his career with clients including McDonald’s restaurants, Wendy’s International restaurants, Paddington Liquor Corporation, BASF, and The Missouri State Lottery.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, with a double major in marketing and management. He serves on the board of directors of the Mid-America Horse Show Association.