About Jim

Jim Coughlan, 41, has worked for international and domestic companies for 15 years in charge of managing projects and tracking budget concerns. He has a proven track record of opening and managing branch offices; creating jobs; and maintaining project finances.

Jim believes that fiscal responsibility is the cornerstone of economic policy. While some political comptrollers just talk about the need to track money and execute audits, Jim has first-hand experience effectively performing them. He believes that the Comptroller’s office should be apolitical, as all parties need to be monitored with objectivity. He believes that the Comptroller should bring real life experience to the job and not simply be a career politician.

Growing up in the shadow of a dairy farm in a town very similar to La Grange, Jim’s grandmother was a bookkeeper for a stationary company in Providence, Rhode Island. His mother also worked in accounting. These women were a great influence in Jim’s life. They emphasized thrift and good budgeting within the home and on the job. This had a lasting impression on Jim throughout his life.
During his education at Providence College where he studied History and Asian studies, Jim met a friend, who hailed from Poughkeepsie. This was his introduction to Dutchess County. He would visit during college breaks and fell in love with the area. He has lived on and off in Poughkeepsie, Pleasant Valley, and Rhinecliff for the past 20 years.

After graduating from Providence College, Jim went to Japan and worked for the Japanese Government. Jim is fluent in Japanese and Mandarin. Working with a very diverse group of people helped Jim to develop personal communication skills that have aided him in all his endeavors. After three years in Japan, he moved to Taiwan and worked for an American technology company. Thereafter, he took a position with a German software company which ultimately led him to Malaysia to open and manage their regional office. In this experience, Jim learned that managing projects and budgets requires diligence and demands maintaining a tight watch on financial practices.
Jim later graduated from Roger Williams University Law School where he earned his law degree to complement his business skills. His studies focused on tax and business planning. Jim also worked as an intern in the Office of the Attorney General of Rhode Island. After graduating, he moved back to Dutchess County. He now works in a law firm in New York City specializing in patents and finance.

Jim and his wife Sharon live in Rhinecliff. They have the same concerns as every resident about securing the financial future of our County not just for us but also for future generations. With your vote for Jim on this election day we can achieve that security and hope for our children.