Barbara James, Baptist Health
Barbara James currently serves as Vice President of the Baptist Health Foundation Baptist Health South Florida leading a dedicated team to inspire philanthropy in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and leadership in healthcare as well as oversight of philanthropy prospect management and system-wide event activations. After raising her family in the Pacific Northwest, she returned to her Florida roots in 2017. She is passionate about serving, both personally and professionally, the Palm Beach County community. She is currently on the Board of the Palm Health Foundation, Families First chairing both their 2021 and 2022 Annual Children's Day Luncheon, and Strike Force 297. Barbara is a proud member of Leadership Palm Beach County's Class of 2019, Lifework Leadership Palm Beach Class of 2023, and is a member of both the Impact of the Palm Beaches and Impact 100 among other service organizations and clubs.
Barbara has over 30 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare, social and children's services, education, advocacy, behavioral health, and faith community initiatives. She holds a BA in English and Business Management from Christian Brothers University, LEAN Six Sigma, CAP & Workout&tradel and Fund Raising certification from the University of California Irvine and the Strategic Leadership certification from Northwestern I Kellogg School of Management. Additionally, she has completed Management & Leadership coursework at Western Governors University.
Palm Beach Illustrated's Top 100 has honored Barbara as one of the county's most influential business leaders the last three years running. A resident of West Palm Beach's Sunshine Park, when not working, she is planning her next family adventure with her husband and two grown daughters and beloved King Charles Spaniel, Finn.