James retired in 2024 from MLA Benefits and previously has been in the insurance business continuously for 52 years.  He maintained his active insurance consulting practice during a four-year hiatus in elected public life as a Member of the Alberta Legislature for Red Deer.  He served as the National Director of the Prairies Region for Advocis (formerly known as the Life Underwriters Association of Canada) as well as the National Chairman for the Publicity and Information Committee. He was a member of the National nominating Committee for this Industry Board.  James was a founding member of the Conference of Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU). A compelling belief in the importance of continuing education led James to achieve his Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1974 successfully, his Chartered Financial Consulting designation in 1990, and his Certified Financial Planner designation in 1999.

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James is the Senior Associate at MLA Benefits Inc., a firm he founded in 1979. The firm specializes in Corporate Estate Planning and Employee Benefits Consulting.

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James has broad experience in Estate Planning, Employee Benefits, business and community affairs, and public policy. 

 

Mr. McPherson's community involvement includes:

• Campaign Chairman - Red Deer & District United Way

• Board Member - Red Deer College

• Board Member - Alberta Paraplegic Foundation

• Regional Board Chairman - Alberta Motor Association

• Past President/Honorary Member - Rotary Club of Red Deer - 1993/1994

• Steering Committee - YMCA

• Board of Directors - Westerner Park

• Chairman - Alberta Freestyle Ski Association

• Chairman - The Ministers Advisory Council on Michener Centre

• Master of Ceremonies - Central Alberta Premiers Dinner

• Master of Ceremonies - Festival of Trees

• Member - Finance Committee, Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta

• Chairman - Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta - 2003 Annual General Meeting

• Past Director - Red Deer Golf and Country Club

• Board of Directors of numerous public companies

• Married to Marlis for 51 years - Children Haimish and Lisa Mackey, grandchildren Lachlan, Graeme, and Regan