Upon hearing of the passing of James W. Sweeney, a Board Member with the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), I was struck by Mr. Sweeney’s vast and impressive legacy – filled with accomplishments in finance, government, social and cultural advocacy and youth mentorship.
His accomplishments included being the founder and managing general partner of Sweeney and Associates, an advocacy and small business consulting firm; being the first graduate in U.C. Riverside’s history to graduate with three majors: Political Science, Sociology, and Black Studies.
James served as the legislative liaison to the California Office on Aging; he worked for the Legislative State Senate Secretary Daryl White; he served as the chief lobbyist for the State NAACP and played a major role in the State of California divesting funds from Darfur. Additionally, James was the founding stockholder of Revere Bank, which opened with $20 million in assets and now exceeds $2 billion. James was also a co-owner of First Federal Financial Services, a credit card processing firm with over 500 million transactions.
His service to the youth of California was respected and unparalleled. Mr. Sweeney was a member of the advisory board of Camp Wilmont Sweeney, where he helped secure $35 million for rehabilitation and expansion projects. He had also been a current member of the multi-agency Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council of Alameda County.
James Sweeney’s efforts had a positive influence and effect on his family, friends and the underserved communities whom his life’s work was geared towards.
I wish to publicly thank Mr. Sweeney for sharing his talents and for his endeavors to make our world a better place for all. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.