Our Team

Deborah James-Vance

Managing Director

Deborah James-Vance is managing director for the Pincus Family Foundation. In her role, Deborah manages organizational partnerships and develops program staff to streamline operations and advance the foundation’s programmatic goals. Task-oriented, efficient, and gifted in strategic analysis and problem-solving, Deborah advances organizational strategy, oversees communications, and serves as a strategic advisor to Danielle Y. Scott, president and chief executive officer of the foundation.

Passionate about improving outcomes for children from under-resourced and underserved communities, Deborah joined the Pincus Family Foundation in 2017 as the inaugural program director. Managing the foundation’s program portfolios, reviewing funding requests, and engaging in partnership outreach, Deborah helped lay the groundwork to serve the foundation for generations to come. Now, as managing director, she amplifies the foundation’s efforts through professional development, thought leadership, strategic decision-making and philanthropic coaching.

Deborah holds a Juris Doctor from Temple University, as well as a master’s degree in education and bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from St. Joseph’s University. Prior to joining the Pincus Family Foundation, she leveraged her background in law and education for various for-profit, not-for-profit, and education sectors. Much of her work focused on advancing educational outcomes and promoting mental health and holistic well-being for all. In partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, Deborah designed and implemented multi-tiered frameworks and programs to address the academic and social-emotional needs of K-12 students – and collaborated with departments of the City of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to make services at the city, state, and federal levels more accessible to youth.

In addition to her many professional accomplishments, Deborah has also made a significant impact in her community. Raised by parents with remarkable passion and vision for the well-being of others, she learned firsthand the impact of policy on children and families – and that upbringing inspires her to be present and active in her community. She serves with the Pennsylvania Scholastic Athletic Association, on the advisory board for the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable, and on the board of the Academy of Notre Dame. Most importantly, she is a mother, daughter, sister, and friend to those working to create wholeness in our communities.