Introducing James H. Perry, new Executive Director

Proven nonprofit leader James H. Perry, J.D. joins Foundation’s experts to expand support for Durham students

Durham Public Schools Foundation (DPS Foundation) is thrilled to announce that James Perry joined the organization as Executive Director. The Foundation chose Perry after a year-long, nationwide search. 

“James brings exactly the kind of leadership we were looking for: a proven nonprofit executive who knows how to build strong teams, earn trust and turn ambitious ideas into lasting impact,” said Rebecca Feinglos, Board Chair, DPS Foundation. “Combined with the extraordinary staff already at DPS Foundation and their deep relationships across Durham Public Schools, we're incredibly excited about what this next chapter means for students, educators and families.”  

Perry has more than 20 years of experience successfully leading nonprofits, including multiple education programs. 

• Most recently, he served as president and CEO of the Winston-Salem Urban League, where he expanded the nonprofit’s advocacy and impact across 13 counties. 

• Under his leadership, the organization advanced civil rights, employment and economic opportunity, affordable housing, health and wellness, voting rights, food security and educational opportunity.

• He also led a portfolio of education initiatives including Read Urban (early literacy), Youth Worx (college and career readiness), the Summer Youth Employment Program, Tech UP (digital skills and workforce credentials), and Tent Tutor, an innovative learning initiative developed during the pandemic to help students safely access remote instruction and academic support in partnership with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

DPS Foundation has grown into a trusted community partner that invests in the people and ideas shaping Durham Public Schools. In the past year alone, DPS Foundation: 

• delivered essential classroom supplies to every school across the district, so teachers can focus on teaching, and students can focus on learning.

• awarded college scholarships to graduating seniors at every DPS high school, helping fuel the potential and talent these students carry forward.

• invested in innovative approaches to student wellbeing, belonging and attendance, funding projects across the district that bring educators from different schools together to learn from each other and better support students.

• continued to center our work on families and community – activating dozens of  community partnerships and facilitating hundreds of hours of family engagement programming.

During this next phase, DPS Foundation is building on its strengths and continuing to work together with community partners to improve outcomes across Durham Public Schools. By pairing Perry’s multi-decade nonprofit executive experience with the staff’s existing local expertise, the Foundation is creating an unstoppable combination for Durham.

“Durham is a truly special place. It’s full of dedicated, passionate people trying to support their neighbors and their whole community,” said Perry. “It’s an honor to take the helm of an organization so firmly rooted in this culture of community strength. I look forward to collaborating with this community to ensure every Durham student has the resources, support and opportunities they need to thrive.” 

Perry continued, “I’m particularly excited to hit the ground running this month supporting the “Fill That Bus!” School Supply Drive starting July 13, and opening our 2026 grant application season on July 15!” 

Perry looks forward to connecting with the Durham community throughout the summer.

• Community members can meet with Perry during his Friday office hours. 

• He’s planning a more formal listening tour later this year.

“Everyone – from parents to businesses to educators – has a stake in strong public schools. And everyone deserves a seat at the table in these conversations, because the best solutions always come directly from our community. That’s why I’m committed to spending the first six months in this role simply listening and learning,” said Perry.