January 27, 2022 – Baptist Health South Florida Foundation today announced the promotion of Barbara James to the position of Vice President of Development & Development Support. In this new role, James will continue to lead the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts in support of Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West as well as be responsible for the Foundation’s Corporate Philanthropy Partners program, research and prospect management efforts and system-wide events team.
Over the last four years, as Executive Director of the Bethesda Hospital Foundation, James has led successful philanthropic efforts that have raised over $40 million dollars, while also meeting the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. Over the past year, she helped seamlessly merge the Bethesda Foundation into the Baptist Health Foundation, to better serve our communities.
James 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 & Workouttm and fund raising certification from the University of California Irvine. Additionally, she has completed management & leadership coursework at Western Governors University.
As a member of the Palm Health Foundation Board of Trustees, she serves on both the Finance and Philanthropy Committees. James is a proud member of Leadership Palm Beach County’s Class of 2019 and serves on the Board of the Palm Beach County Medical Society. Additionally, she is member of both Impact of the Palm Beaches and Impact 100, the International Women’s Forum Palm Beach, Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, among other service organizations and clubs. Most recently, Palm Beach Illustrated’ s Top 100 honored James as one of the county’s most influential business leaders.
James will continue to work closely with Bethesda Hospital CEO, Nelson Lazo, to ensure that the vision for Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West is fully supported through philanthropy, the Foundation, and the generosity of our donors.
“With the continued growth of the Baptist Health South Florida Foundation, we are fortunate to have someone with Barbara’s experience and deep community connections that we can tap for additional responsibilities to help us continue executing on our vision of providing the absolute best in healthcare to the communities we serve” said Alex Villoch, CEO of the Foundation.
“I am excited and honored to be considered for this new challenge. I look forward to building on our steadfast community support to continue Baptist Health South Florida’s vision to be the preeminent and most preferred healthcare provider in the communities we serve, the organization that people instinctively turn to for all of their healthcare needs. It brings me great joy to be part of this great team knowing our future is bright,” said James.
There are numerous meaningful opportunities to help Baptist Health maintain excellence in healthcare now and into the future. For more information on the Foundation, and how to become involved, visit BaptistHealth.net/Giving.
About Baptist Health Foundation
The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health South Florida. Through philanthropy, the Foundation supports and expands Baptist Health’s ability to provide outstanding patient care and bring the latest treatments to patients and families affected by a serious illness. Donor contributions also allow the Foundation to assist Baptist Health facilities in keeping pace with technology and equipment advances, perform cutting-edge research and offer continuing education opportunities to medical staff. Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Foundation.
