Jim Chaffee

Jim Chaffee, Managing Partner of the Southern Lights Conference and President and Founder of Chaffee Management Group (CMG), which he launched in 2001 to build meaningful platforms for authors, artists, and speakers whose work inspires hope and redemption. With a strong focus on faith-based initiatives, CMG manages a speakers bureau and produces national conferences such as Southern Lights, Why Christian, Evolving Faith, The Liturgist Gathering, and The Road Back to You Enneagram conferences.

Jim began his career with the Continental Singers, developing and managing international music teams and producing global music seminars. He later led Myrrh Records at Word Entertainment, where he oversaw releases for artists including Amy Grant, Shirley Caesar, Rich Mullins, Jaci Velasquez, Mary Mary, and Fernando Ortega.

Since founding CMG, Jim has represented a diverse roster of thought leaders and creatives, including Rachel Held Evans, Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Jemar Tisby, Diana Butler Bass, Nadia Bolz-Weber, , Kaitlin Curtice, Donald Miller, Sarah Bessey, and Lisa Sharon Haroer.

He also served on the board of the Gospel Music Association for 25 years, including as chairman from 2003 to 2004.

Jim now lives in Norway with his wife, Dove Award-winning artist Solveig Leithaug. From their home in Tau, he continues to lead CMG while enjoying life with their five children and three grandchildren, spread across New York, Tennessee, Connecticut, and Texas.