James R. Tongate

Previously, James served as MarshMcLennan’s Senior Human Resources Military Affairs Program Leader where he created, executed, led and cultivated an unprecedented diverse military veteran talent program. James strategically leveraged key stakeholders, human resource functions, technology, and processes relating to the design, implementation, and integration of diverse human capital dogmas through business actions. He is considered a national subject matter expert in the veteran talent space through consult and engagement in several national panels/forums including the Veteran Jobs Mission, the American Legion and at Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) sponsored events. James’ co-leadership efforts were nationally recognized as MMC was named #1 Military Friendly® Employer in the U.S. for 2017 and #3 in 2018. 

Prior to Marsh & McLennan Companies, James served at Humana over 17 years as a successful business leader in various functions to include the HR Program Leader for Humana’s Veteran & Military Spouse Hiring Program. He solidified the national award-winning program through sourcing, innovation, and implementation of outreach strategies recruiting National Guard, Reservists, Military Retirees, Wounded Warriors, Transitioning Veterans and Military Spouses. James’ efforts were crucial to Humana being recognized as of the TOP 10 US Military Friendly® Employers still today. 

Currently, James also proudly serves as the tenth State Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Kentucky National Guard. Chief Tongate is the key advisor to Kentucky’s Adjutant General and his staff on all matters influencing mission readiness, training, promotion, retention, professional development, utilization, health, morale, welfare, and assignment policy affecting the entire enlisted Airmen and their families. Prior to this role, James also previously served as the Wing Human Resource Advisor and as a C-130H Tactical Loadmaster with three combat tours to Afghanistan along with many other global operations earning him four commendation medals. James initially began his service in 1986–1991 with the active-duty US Air Force, then served in the KY Army National Guard as a Military Intelligence Analyst before transferring into the KY Air National Guard in December 1997 where remains today. James has been married over 28 years with 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren.