Jim Balfanz

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Biographical Information

"Jim Balfanz has served as the President of City Year since May 2010. In this role, he steers City Year’s continued evolution as a performance-driven organization... Prior to his role as President, Balfanz served as City Year’s Chief Operating Officer for 5 years. During this time, he led the organization through a sustained period of growth that enabled it to grow from 15 to 21 U.S. locations and launch its second international affiliate in London; scale from 1,200 to 1,750 corps members; and increase its revenue by 70%, including a 500% increase in public education funding. Balfanz also led the development of City Year’s brand strategy, resulting in a 50% increase in national awareness.

"Balfanz began his work with City Year in 1993 as a corps member serving at a Head Start program in Charlestown, Massachusetts. After his corps year, Jim joined the City Year staff to help scale the program, assuming various roles in City Year’s National Headquarters, including Deputy Director of National Affairs, and Director of New Site Development, through which he played a pivotal role in founding City Year Seattle, Detroit, and Greater Philadelphia. In 1997, Balfanz was named the Founding Executive Director of City Year Greater Philadelphia and served as the Executive Director for 8 years growing City Year Greater Philadelphia to the largest City Year site. Balfanz received his undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business Executive Management Program. He is a 2011-2012 Aspen Institute - NewSchools Entrepreneurial Leaders for Public Education Fellow.

Affiliations

• Director, City Year London