On January 13, 1999, James Albert Lander became South Carolina's 40th Comptroller General.

Jim Lander, as he prefers to be called, is no stranger to serving his community, state and nation. He served in the South Carolina Army National Guard from 1949-1985, retiring as Chief of Staff. His active military service, during 1966-1971, included tours in both Korea and Vietnam. Lander's military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the U. S. Meritorious Service Medal, the Cross of Gallantry and the Armed Forces Honor Medal of the Republic of Vietnam, the SC Palmetto Cross and the SC Distinguished Service Medal. After his retirement from the National Guard, Jim Lander assumed another leadership role as Commander and Major General of the South Carolina State Guard from 1988-1991.

Continuing his commitment in military organizations, Lander is active in the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Military Order of the World Wars, the Fort Jackson-Palmetto Chapter of the Association of the United States Army and a member and past-president of the Board of Directors of the State Guard Association of the United States.

Jim Lander attended North Carolina State University, Erskine College and graduated from Lander College.

In 1992, Jim Lander was elected by the voters of District 18 as their State Senator, where he served for six years until his election as South Carolina's Comptroller General. While in the Senate, he was named Legislator of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Counties and the South Carolina Association of the Deaf. During his tenure in the Senate, Lander served on the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources; Corrections and Penology; Education; Judiciary; Labor, Commerce and Industry Committees and was Chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee for People with Disabilities.

Lander's extensive civic dedication includes Chairman of the Newberry County Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, member of the Newberry Rotary Club, Past-President of the Newberry Exchange Club, Past-Chairman of the Newberry County Literacy Association and Past-Chairman of the Newberry Boys Scout District, where he received the Silver Beaver Award.

Governor Richard W. Riley, with the Order of the Palmetto, recognized Lander's distinguished service to his state and nation in 1985.