James Compton

James Washington Compton (born April 7, 1939), also known as Jim Compton, is an American businessman and civil rights activist who served as president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League from 1978 until 2006. During his tenure, the Chicago Urban League refocused its interest in education and economic development and developed a new emphasis on community empowerment. Compton received the Fred Luster Sr, Image Award for his work at the Black Heritage Performance in 1999.Compton is a member of several boards, including ComEd, DePaul University, Ariel Mutual Funds, ETA Creative Arts Foundation, Big Shoulders Fund, Morehouse Research Institute, and the Seaway Bank and Trust Company. Compton has also been Board President of the Chicago Public Library and the Chicago Board of Education, and is a Life Trustee of the Field Museum of Natural History.