James Balcer

James Balcer has spent his life serving his country, serving his community, advocating for veterans, overcoming adversity and helping thousands of people to achieve their goals. He is an accomplished public speaker with an impressive track record of communicating with diverse audiences, inspiring others to take action, arguing for important causes and living by the U.S. Marine Corps motto, “Always faithful”.

Balcer grew up in Chicago as the oldest of six children, overcoming poverty and a number of other struggles that forged him into a combat-decorated Marine veteran, elected official and community leader. After serving in the Vietnam War where he was wounded on three separate occasions (later receiving the Bronze Star with Combat V Device), Balcer returned home to learn that veterans were facing serious challenges. They faced daily harassment for serving during the time of a controversial war and encountered considerable difficulty in finding jobs and other vital necessities. By participating in the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade, he developed an interest in public service, yet still struggled to find good employment while dealing with the stigma and negative perceptions of the Vietnam War.

After completing two associate degrees and a bachelor’s, he decided it was time to turn his interest into a mission. In order to do something meaningful not just for himself but for all veterans, Balcer became a Chicago alderman to serve a large urban constituency. Alderman Balcer served four consecutive elected terms representing the 11th Ward and its 50,000 residents. As one of the most visible districts of a major city, it had a fair share of problems. Balcer involved himself in all of them, either spearheading or supporting a variety of laws, ordinances and policies, and serving on critical committees to help build a safe, thriving and equitable community. These efforts had a considerable and direct impact on his constituents, ranging from government purchases, loans and financial decisions to environmental protection and community/business development. Most significant, however, is the work he did in veteran and military affairs, building consensus, partnerships and coalitions to address issues of housing, employment, public accommodation and credit, including legal actions to overcome severe discrimination toward veterans. Balcer was a public face for these causes, not only hosting meetings, speeches and speaking events but also generating substantial media coverage to bring awareness to such critical issues.

James now speaks to various groups and organizations about personal and professional success, issues pertaining to military service, business topics and other issues. He has delivered noteworthy presentations on local television programs and events for both city and federal law enforcement agencies. He has been formally recognized with certificates, plaques and awards from Chicago’s Mayor, the U.S. Small Business Association and the Department of Defense, among others. James speaks at veterans' events and community gatherings, educating audiences regarding patriotism, military support and remembrance. In addition, he produces original content on several social media platforms and quickly became an influencer who energizes and inspires people to work toward personal improvement and common goals.

James Balcer is very proud of his military service, public service and advocacy, but at the end of the day, he is primarily a family man and veteran who enjoys speaking about his experiences and helping people to achieve success. He has an innate ability to connect and communicate with audiences from all walks of life, and he is thrilled to continue passionately using his voice to serve the public.