Air Force Veteran, author, filmmaker, theologian, PHD, speaker, educator, and entertainment executive, Jim Huggins has undertaken a variety of successful careers. His love of telling good stories and telling them well led him to the entertainment business in which Variety referred to him as one of the “top entertainment chiefs” for faith and family film, TV and digital media. Currently, he serves as the President and CEO of New Shepherd Films, an independent film production company producing faith and family entertainment for the mainstream market. He also serves as the head of New Shepherd Entertainment, a faith and family promotional and marketing venture dedicated to being a resource to the independent producer.
Jim Huggins began his career in 1984 as an officer in the United States Air Force earning a B.S. in mathematics. After a string of successes that ultimately took him to the Pentagon, he volunteered for a selectively manned position at HQ US Central Command during Operation Desert Storm and continued to serve in subsequent operations in the Middle East and northern Africa. He has received numerous awards including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal to name just a few.
Presented with unique opportunities to direct his talents towards innovative technology startup companies in the private sector, Jim moved from the Active Duty forces to the Reserves. His continued success propelled him upward with ever-increasing responsibilities where he excelled at a global level as part of a select management team between AMR and CSX; two of the world’s largest transportation companies. Along the way, Jim earned an MS in Engineering and a Ph.D. in Engineering Management specializing in computer and software engineering.
Dr. Huggins has also taught a variety of disciplines at two major universities. He served as a Professor of Computer Science at Campbell University as well as an Adjunct Professor of Aerospace Studies for the Air Force teaching “Islamic Fundamentalism” and “The Laws of Armed Conflict” at NC State University.
In 2006, Dr. Huggins set his sights on the entertainment industry. Recognizing the need for family-friendly films and other entertainment products with a solid faith-based message, he turned his passion for storytelling into the driving force behind a new career. By 2009, Dr. Huggins’ had become an award-winning stage actor, experienced director, and professionally trained TV/film actor. From this came New Shepherd Films, an entertainment company dedicated to producing faith and family content specifically for the “crossover audience”.
By 2011, Dr. Huggins and his team released their first film, “FOOTPRINTS – Angels are real. Some even have fur.” Based on the reviews, audience reactions, and an ever-increasing fan base, they clearly hit the target. His next two films, “Forgotten Heroes” and “The Christmas Express” are already in the works with a third project in the works. But his desire to impact the culture around him in a positive way as a storyteller goes beyond movies. Entertainment extends into books, as well. Here, Dr. Huggins has become a published author with two books in worldwide release through a strategic alliance between New Shepherd Films and Archway Publishing in association with Simon and Schuster. He also has three more books in the queue!
Most recently, Dr. Huggins was awarded a Doctor of Divinity for his work in Creative Evangelism and was ordained a pastor. He is a dedicated father with three children, Emma, David, and Samuel. Jim, his wife Leslee, their kids, and their rescued German shepherd Lily, are originally from North Carolina. Today, they now call Salem, OR their home.
