Early Life and Education
Born in the United States in 1960, Jim Davis earned a business degree from Villanova University in 1981. Early information about his early career is not publicly available.
Rise to Success
In 1983, at the age of 23, Davis co-founded Aerotek with his cousin, Steve Bisciotti, in a basement in Annapolis, Maryland. Aerotek initially focused on providing staffing for the aerospace and technology sectors. Recognizing an opportunity, Davis and Bisciotti expanded their business. Aerotek expanded into Canada, the UK, India, and China.
Key Business Strategies
Davis focused on a strategy of providing talent solutions and connecting skilled workers with companies. His business evolved into a global workforce solutions provider, and Aerotek was renamed Allegis Group. Allegis Group has expanded through strategic acquisitions, including MarketSource and Major, Lindsey & Africa, to meet the demands of the IT marketplace and the legal sector. Davis's approach emphasized both sales and recruitment, and he prioritized the quality of people within the company. Davis and Bisciotti also invested in ventures outside staffing through Redwood Capital, including retirement communities and propane distribution.
Philanthropy
Jim Davis has been involved in philanthropic endeavors. The Davis Family Foundation has provided support to the University of Maine. Davis has also contributed to his alma mater, Villanova University, including an athletic center and the Villanova School of Business. The New Balance Foundation, founded by Jim and his wife Ann, has given more than $165 million, including $17 million in 2025, with a focus on health, wellness, youth development, and education. They also donated $100 million to the creation of a cardiovascular care center at Massachusetts General Hospital.