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Durham Public Schools Foundation Hires James Perry as Executive Director

The former Winston-Salem Urban League president plans to begin his tenure with community office hours and a six-month listening period.

Wes Platt

Wes Platt

— 4 min read
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Durham Public Schools Foundation Hires James Perry as Executive Director
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The Durham Public Schools Foundation has hired longtime nonprofit leader James H. Perry as its new executive director following a yearlong national search.

Perry brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the foundation, which raises money, develops community partnerships, and supports students and educators across Durham Public Schools.

“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 foundation board Chair Rebecca Feinglos.

Perry most recently served as president and CEO of the Winston-Salem Urban League, where he expanded the organization’s advocacy and programs across 13 counties.

The Urban League’s work under Perry included civil rights, employment, economic opportunity, affordable housing, health and wellness, voting rights, food security, and education.

He also oversaw several education and workforce programs, including:

  • Read Urban, an early literacy initiative
  • Youth Worx, which focused on college and career readiness
  • A summer youth employment program
  • Tech UP, which provided digital skills and workforce credentials
  • Tent Tutor, a pandemic-era initiative that helped students safely access remote instruction and academic support

Tent Tutor operated in partnership with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

Building on the Foundation’s Durham Work

The Durham Public Schools Foundation launched in 2018 through a coalition of parents, educators, business leaders, and education advocates.

Its programs include Crayons2Calculators, which provides free school and classroom supplies to DPS educators, as well as student scholarships, educator grants, family engagement, and partnerships addressing student attendance, belonging, and well-being.

During the past year, the foundation said it:

  • Supplied classroom materials to every DPS school
  • Awarded scholarships to graduating seniors at every district high school
  • Funded projects focused on attendance, belonging, and student well-being
  • Connected educators from different schools to share ideas and practices
  • Developed community partnerships and provided hundreds of hours of family programming

Perry said he looks forward to combining that local knowledge with his experience managing nonprofit organizations and education initiatives.

“Durham is a truly special place,” Perry said. “It’s full of dedicated, passionate people trying to support their neighbors and their whole community.”

He said his goal is to help ensure that every Durham student has the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive.

Perry Starts with School Supplies, Grants, and Listening

Perry arrives as the foundation begins two of its major annual efforts.

The 25th annual Fill That Bus school supply drive began July 13 and continues through Aug. 14. The campaign helps Crayons2Calculators stock its shelves with supplies that DPS educators can use throughout the school year.

Fill That Bus returns for 25th year in Durham
The annual community school supply drive runs July 13 through Aug. 14, helping Crayons2Calculators stock supplies for teachers across Durham Public Schools.
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The foundation also opens its 2026 grant application season Wednesday, July 15.

Perry plans to hold office hours on Fridays, giving community members a chance to meet with him during the summer. A more formal listening tour is expected later this year.

He said he'll spend his first six months listening to parents, educators, businesses, and other community partners.

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