James L. Mason is retired Vice President – Public and Community Affairs for Eaton Corporation, which is headquartered here in Cleveland. He was responsible for federal, state and local government relations and the company’s political action committee. He was also responsible for planning and implementing philanthropic and community involvement initiatives. The corporate contributions program at Eaton was managed by Mason and its purpose was to strengthen relationships with not-for-profit organizations in plant communities as well as in Eaton’s headquarters city. Prior to assuming this position, he managed Eaton’s Government Relations Office in Washington, DC. Mason was also involved in a number of external activities. He is past Chairman of the Public Affairs Committee of the National Association of Manufacturers. He has served as President of the Citizens League of Greater Cleveland and Catholic Charities and has been actively involved with United Way Services, Shoes and Clothes for Kids and Voices for Ohio’s Children. Before joining Eaton, he had served in marketing, communications and development positions in the greater Cleveland area.

Mason has an undergraduate degree from John Carroll University and an MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management of Case Western Reserve University. He and his wife, Melinda, a registered nurse, have five grown children and six grandchildren.