An executive and attorney from Anderson, South Carolina, James Galyean serves as the CEO of Icelaven Development Group, a firm specializing in companies in the public and private sectors. James Galyean has founded an education management organization (EMO), Reason & Republic.

In 2002, Mr. Galyean began his career in law, working in the public and private sectors. In 2017, Mr. Galyean founded Reason & Republic, an EMO that oversees the online educational platforms SC Preparatory and SC Leadership. These two academic programs assist children in grades six through 12, providing them with a rigorous academic environment based on classical educational concepts. His expertise in education includes founding charter programs based on the classical education model, school choice, education policy, and charter school law.

Mr. Galyean remains an education advocate for children, co-founding the Restoration Project Foundation (RPF). The foundation connects South Carolina's youth with mentors who can inspire them to pursue their talents, succeed academically, and reach their potential. The foundation also connects with local organizations to source mentors and critical resources that children need and provides support for other mentorship programs.

His credentials include a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Furman University. Mr. Galyean earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law.