James Joost, '07, Increases His Impact by Joining the NIU Alumni Association Board of Directors
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet

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James Joost, '07, joins NIU Alumni Association Board of Directors (Photo: Alicja Nowak)

James Joost, ’07, joins the NIU Alumni Association Board of Directors with a clear perspective on what it means to be a Huskie.
 

As a past College of Business volunteer reviewing resumes and conducting mock interviews, Joost served as a sounding board answering students’ questions as they began their career search. In his new board member role, effective July 1, Joost is excited to increase his impact and reach to the overall NIU community.
 

Despite his commitment to the board, Joost says engaging with NIU doesn’t have to mean giving a lot of your time. 
 

“Engaging can mean advocating for the university by sharing positive experiences or articles related to the university, mentoring and providing advice to students or recent grads, or even attending events like football games,” he said. “Being engaged provides many benefits—and not just to the university. When engaged alumni network with fellow Huskies, they meet new people and reconnect with old friends.”
 

Joost looks forward to attending events and getting to know other members of the NIU community, both alumni and non-alumni.
 

“A true Huskie is anyone who aims to support the university and its mission,” he said. “Anyone can be a Huskie, regardless of their alma mater.” 
 

Joost grew up on the Northwest Side of Chicago and was one of six children. In addition to his parents, his grandfather and uncle were influential role models. They prioritized spending time with him and instilled in him positive values that he draws upon today. After becoming a parent, with his wife, Yessie, to their son, Patrick Noah, Joost became hyperaware of the sacrifices that his parents made and said without them he likely wouldn’t have been able to attend NIU.
 

“NIU is a place that challenged me to grow intellectually and as a person,” he said. “Any success I have had in my life is a direct result of my experiences at NIU. The education I received served as the foundation for my career. It provided me with experience interacting with others from backgrounds that were different from mine. For this reason, I want to give back to a community that has provided me with an unparalleled experience.” 
 

Joost earned a master’s degree from DePaul University with two concentrations: finance and strategy, execution and valuation. Continuing his education stimulated his intellectual curiosity and natural inquisitiveness. 
 

“I love solving complex problems,” said Joost. “I also tend to lean into uncomfortable situations and feelings with the knowledge that being outside my comfort zone is the path to personal growth and development.”
 

Today, with a long, successful career at Golub Capital, Joost serves as director, operational risk management, leading a team of professional risk managers. 
 

“Together, we strive to ensure the potential risks to the organization are mitigated through the implementation of sound processes and controls,” he said.

When he's not working in Chicago, Joost is often piloting his drone as an amateur drone photographer. He spots opportunities to capture picturesque cityscapes and views from above. Through the same lens, seeking opportunities while looking at the broader landscape, Joost is eager to get to know other Huskies, hear their ideas, and identify opportunities through his new role on the board. He hopes this will help to offer fresh perspectives and increase the overall effectiveness of the NIU Alumni Association.

Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities at NIU, or contact us at volunteer@niu.edu or 815-753-2586.