James M. Shannon

James (Jim) M. Shannon joined the UL Board of Directors in 2009 where he currently serves as the board’s chairman. Jim previously served as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a leading advocate for fire prevention, where he gained extensive knowledge of fire safety and prevention.

At NFPA Jim launched a national effort that resulted in all 50 states adopting legislation requiring “fire-safe” cigarettes. He also created a national campaign advocating requirements for fire sprinklers in newly constructed homes. Under Jim’s leadership, NFPA became the first major standards developer to grant free digital access to all its codes and standards to the public.