As a former White House budget director and chairman of the powerful House Budget Committee, Jim Nussle holds a unique perspective on the current budget and policy crisis going on in Washington. Not only has Jim been witness to some of the most historic moments in American history, but he's actively been involved in these pivotal moments including the writing of the Contract with America as well as the attacks of 9/11 and their aftermath in national policy decision-making. He continues to serve as a trusted advisor to current members of Congress including long-time friend, House Speaker John Boehner.

In 2007, after 16 years in Congress, including six years as House Budget Chairman, President Bush nominated Jim to join his Cabinet as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, where he presided over the nation's $3 trillion budget and participated in high-level decision making surrounding issues such as the financial industry crisis, bank bailouts, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and homeland security. Currently, Jim is the President of Growth Energy, the newest and fastest growing trade association of 140 renewable energy companies and industry partners. He served on the founding board of the organization and in November 2010, was recruited by his fellow board members to help lead the organization in an effort to achieve its strategies and continued dynamic growth. Jim also is a regular contributor on policy and politics for CNBC.

Finance, Fiscal Policy, Political, Economy