James "Jimmy" Odom (he/him/his) has been associated with AGMA for over 40 years. He joined AGMA’s professional staff in April 2019 as Midwest Business Representative. As of 2023, his title is "Business Representative." The title change reflects his work across regional divides and promotes a more inclusive and versatile role within AGMA.
Odom has, at one time or another, worked in all of AGMA’s working categories. Most of his career was spent at Lyric Opera of Chicago, although he also worked at several other AGMA companies. As a member, he served in the elected leadership as a Shop Delegate and the Chicago/Midwest Area Chair.
He was elected to AGMA’s Board of Governors in 1995. As a Governor, he served on each of the Board’s standing committees. From 1999 to 2007, he served as a Vice President and served as AGMA’s President from 2007 to 2019. During his years as an active member, he served on or advised the negotiating committees of well over one dozen shops.