Bedell James joined the Cumberland Trust team in 2024 as Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Corporate Development. In his role, Bedell leads corporate development in Middle Tennessee. He collaborates with estate planning attorneys, financial advisors, CPAs, and other professional advisors to serve individuals and families seeking bespoke trust and estate administration services.

Prior to joining Cumberland Trust, Bedell served as Director of Institutional Advancement at Ensworth School. Through his guidance and relationship-building, the school successfully completed three major campaigns, raising over $200,000,000 in support of capital, endowment, and operating needs. At Ensworth, Bedell also served as liaison to the Advancement Committee and Investment Committee of the Board, where he assisted in overseeing the endowment to ensure that generations of students will benefit from its impact.

Previously, Bedell served as Senior Vice President and Head of Administration at Independence Trust Company in Nashville. In his seven-year tenure, he contributed to significant growth in total assets and number of employees.

Originally from Rome, Georgia, Bedell earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lynchburg College in Virginia. Bedell and his wife Anne have three children and reside in Nashville.

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