In 2014, James Sawyer retired from his decades long career at Praxair. Entering retirement has done anything but slow Sawyer down! Keeping pace with modern business, he now pursues business ventures in the startup sphere.

Materia Inc.

After retiring as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Praxair, James Sawyer joined Materia Inc.’s Board of Directors.  A technology startup launched by Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Robert H. Grubbs, Materia Inc. is credited with a breakthrough in catalysis and carbon bonding.  Materia Inc. is on a mission to revolutionize polymers and advanced materials. Fueling the process with innovative approaches and concepts, the company is making good on its goal.  Sawyer’s Director status within the company is a natural fit after his many years in the industry. He welcomes the opportunity to be a part of the world’s leader in advanced materials, olefin metathesis and ring-opening metathesis (ROMP) polymerization.

Compass Natural Gas

Since 2016, James Sawyer has represented Compass Natural Gas as a member of the company’s Board of Directors.  Modern in mentality, Compass sets emphasis on the sustainability of natural gas resources. Compass is often recognized for supplying its consumers with high quality, clean burning energy.  The company believes this approach directly contributes to the betterment of the environment and its collective future.

Compass is a natural fit given that it utilizes a similar distribution process as Praxair, leveraging exactly the same trucks to carry natural gas to stranded resources and customs without pipelines.