ROCHESTER, NY—The Strong National Museum of Play, home to the World Video Game Hall of Fame and International Center for the History of Electronic Games, is pleased to announce that Don James, former executive vice president of operations at Nintendo of America, has been elected to its Board of Trustees. James’s career with Nintendo of America spanned 43 years before he retired in 2024.
“Electronic games continue to change the way that people play and communicate across geographies more than any other medium,” says Steve Dubnik, president and CEO of The Strong. “It’s an honor to bring the experience and first-hand insights of Don James to our board as we continue to collect, preserve, and share the story of video games. Few know the industry better. For more than four decades, Don played a pivotal role in bringing beloved systems and games—from Donkey Kong to The Legend of Zelda—to American audiences.”
As executive vice president for operations, James oversaw departments such as consumer services, design, experiential marketing, real estate and facilities, manufacturing engineering, quality control, supply chain operations, purchasing, product testing, technical services, and technical translation. He also helped establish the Entertainment Software Association (then known as the Interactive Digital Software Association) and played an important role in creating the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). This past February, James received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS).
Says James, “The Strong is a leader in preserving the history of the electronic games industry, sharing the cultural importance of video games through physical and online exhibits with millions of people across the world. I’m pleased to be able to continue to support the video game industry, which I cherish so much, through the museum’s work.”
About The Strong
The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, National Toy Hall of Fame, World Video Game Hall of Fame, Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, Generation Two, Woodbury School, National Archives of Game Show History, and the American Journal of Play.