Get to Know Xcalibur: Meet Jim

This blog is the second in the Get to Know Xcalibur series where we hope you’ll get to know the real people behind Xcalibur — the ones behind your SCRIBE login, evaluation report, Excel course, or conference session. However you’ve connected with us, we’re excited to share more about the team that makes it all happen.

Jim’s Journey to Xcalibur

Jim Brown is the President and CEO of Xcalibur. His path to leading a nationally recognized data and evaluation company began long before Xcalibur or SCRIBE, and long before he found his calling in the college access world.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. His work at the time closely resembled what is now a computer science degree. “As an electrical engineer, I was developing systems, coding, and building databases – that’s where I started,” Jim reflected during our interview.

As a child of an Air Force family, Jim moved frequently while growing up, living in California, Alabama, Ohio, and Virginia, where he ultimately attended college and put down roots.

Xcalibur’s origin story dates back to Jim’s work developing data systems for the Navy while still in college. During summers and school breaks, he built complex systems to track everything from office service requests to environmental impact data used by multiple federal agencies. “At the end of one summer, I presented the system, to senior leaders from the EPA, Army, Navy, and Air Force,” Jim said. “They told me they wanted to use it, and asked if I could make enhancements. That’s how Xcalibur started.”

While the company officially began in the early 1990s, Jim said it wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s that Xcalibur truly found its mission through work in college access. “That’s when I realized I wasn’t just doing work I was good at, I was doing work that mattered.”

Making an Impact Through Data and Systems

At its core, Jim sees Xcalibur’s work as helping organizations move from intuition to evidence. “How many times have people said they know something works because of a gut feeling?” Jim asked. “What we do is give them the data to back that up.”

That belief is grounded not just in systems design, but in Jim’s own experience working directly with students. Before Xcalibur became deeply rooted in college access work, Jim spent time tutoring middle school students in math — an experience that left a lasting impression. “The first day I worked with two students, they hadn’t been receptive to anyone,” he recalled. “The next day, the principal called and asked me to come back. Whatever we did together worked.” Jim went on to tutor students at that school for over a year, watching grades improve and confidence grow. “Tutoring, done well, can be a game changer,” he said. “Teachers do the heavy lifting every day, but sometimes one-on-one support opens doors that felt closed.”

That experience reinforced for Jim why data — when paired with relationships — matters so much. Through SCRIBE, evaluation, research, and professional development, Xcalibur helps programs capture, understand, and act on the impact of mentoring, tutoring, advising, and other supports that often make the biggest difference for students. “It’s no longer, ‘I trust this because I feel it,’” Jim said. “It’s ‘I trust this because the data shows it.’”

Problem Solving and Strategic Leadership

There’s no such thing as a “typical day” for Jim, but his work today centers on strategic planning, alignment, and problem solving. “When I get to do problem solving, that’s when I’m having the most fun,” he said. “Improving processes, thinking through challenges, and finding solutions — that’s what energizes me.”

Jim described the past year as one marked by constant pivots, but also one that reinforced the importance of long-term vision. That mindset of focusing on intentional growth shaped everything from SCRIBE’s evolution to the development of the Xcalibur Conference — an idea that began as both exciting and uncertain, and has since become a cornerstone of the community.

Sharpening the Sword

True to Xcalibur’s culture of continuous learning, Jim is currently focused on better understanding artificial intelligence — not to replace human expertise, but to enhance it. “I’m interested in what AI can responsibly add to our work,” he said. “Not replacing what people do — enhancing it.” Jim is exploring AI tools, learning from peers who are building systems, and thinking through how emerging technologies can support smarter workflows and stronger systems. “The opportunity is incredible,” he said. “But we need to be thoughtful — especially knowing how these tools affect students and educators.”

Life Beyond Work

Outside of work, Jim enjoys being active and spending time outdoors — especially with his daughter. Coaching youth softball has become one of his most meaningful roles. “Coaching is probably the closest I’ve come to being a teacher,” he said. “It’s something my dad did with me, and I’m grateful I get to do it with her.” Jim also enjoys working with his hands. During and before COVID, he took on a major personal project: completely rebuilding his basement from the ground up. “Plumbing, electrical, drywall, HVAC — all of it,” he said. “I checked the box. I’m never doing another basement.”

What Makes Xcalibur Different

When asked to describe the Xcalibur team in three words, Jim chose adaptable, collaborative, and mission-driven.

“This team adapts constantly,” he said. “They collaborate across roles, and they’re deeply committed to improving college access and success.” That mission-driven mindset is what excites Jim most about Xcalibur’s future. He sees the organization moving beyond perceived limits — expanding its reach while staying grounded in its values. “I used to think there was a ceiling,” he said. “I don’t think that anymore.” He emphasized that Xcalibur is not just a vendor, but a trusted partner — one that grows alongside its clients and continues to push forward. “We’re always asking, ‘What’s next?’ How do we keep improving? That mindset doesn’t stop.”

Closing

From building complex data systems to tutoring students one-on-one, Jim’s journey reflects the heart of Xcalibur’s work — pairing technical expertise with a deep commitment to expanding opportunity. “At the end of the day, the work we do helps people do their jobs better — and helps students have more opportunities,” Jim said. “That’s what makes it worth it.”