James (Jim) S. Holbrook, Jr. is Chairman and CEO of Sterne Agee, a company specializing in investment banking, stocks and bonds. In 1970, Mr. Holbrook founded and operated First Birmingham Securities Corporation until its consolidation with Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc. in 1990. Sterne Agee, which employs approximately over 600 people in the Southeast, is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and is the largest investment banking firm based in Alabama. Mr. Holbrook has served on various boards and committees for the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD). Some NASD-relations have included serving on the Board of Governors, the Vice-Chairman of the National Business Conduct Committee, Corporate Financing Committee, Sanctions Guidelines Committee, Statutory Disqualifications Committee, Executive Committee and was Chairman of the District Business Conduct Committee (District No. 5). He is also a member of the Securities Industry Association's Regional Firms Committee and Management Roundtable. Mr. Holbrook received his BA in Business/Finance from the University of Alabama. His involvement with the University includes the President's Cabinet and past Chairman of the Board of Visitors of the College of Commerce and Business Administration. Mr. Holbrook is also on the board of several private and public companies.