For 14 years James (Jim) Plummer has been the Planning Director for Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, which is an economic development agency in Northeast Minnesota. He is responsible for a variety of activities including the Regional Trails grant program, property development at the Giants Ridge Recreation Area and other agency project sites. Jim is the Mineland Vision Partnership Coordinator, and is involved in numerous community and business development projects.

Plummer received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and English from the University of Minnesota, and a Masters of Arts Degree in Urban and Regional Studies from Mankato State University. He began his career working for the cities of Apple Valley and Hastings in their planning departments, and worked 18 years for the St. Louis County Planning Department. Plummer has three wonderful children and enjoys snow and waterskiing, MTB biking, weight training, traveling, and spending time at the cabin on Lake Vermilion.