Leadership

James E. Hammer, as President and CEO, has inspired an exceptionally successful business strategy and culture at Hammer Packaging. From a modest $4 million in sales with 60 employees, Jim has grown the company to the nearly $100 million and 400 employee organization it is today.

Jim has ensured continuing success at Hammer through his ongoing investment in leading-edge technology, hiring the right people and listening to the voice of the customer. During that time the company has won many awards, most notably Best Workplace in America and Rochester's prestigious Business Ethics Award. With a commitment to the company's shared values - integrity, respect, trust, passion, credibility & continuous improvement - Jim has placed an indelible mark on the culture that makes up the company which bears his name.

Jim received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Drake College, Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1969.  He began his career at Hammer in sales and customer service. He was promoted to Vice President in 1975, and became President & CEO in 1983.

Jim is a member of the World Presidents Organization, and has served as President of the National Label Printing Industries of America. Jim was recently recognized for his contributions to NY business and the local community when he was inducted into the New York Business Hall of Fame. Jim also received the industry's highest award, The Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2009.

He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Mary Cariola Children's Center and chairs the Governance Committee. He is also on the boards of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital, and Catalyst . He is a member of the regional board of JP Morgan Chase. In addition to Jim's board responsibilities, he donates gifts and proceeds to the Mary Cariola Children's Center from charitable events like Benches and Horses on Parade, ESL Animal Scramble, and Holiday Helper. He actively recruits local business leaders for involvement on behalf of the center.

The Hammer family is actively involved in the Rochester community in their support of Quad A for Kids which provides funds for an inner city soccer program, St. Joseph's Villa, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Secret Santa Toy Donation, United Way, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, March of Dimes, Junior Achievement, Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong, Camp Good Days and Special Times, Teddi T Sports Festival, Disabled Children of Monroe County, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Geva Theatre, the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Jim is married and the father of three children.