James (Jim) Ferber served as Chairman of the Dr. Phillips Charities’ Boards of Directors since 2015 through the end of 2022. He was a Board Member of Dr. Phillips Charities since 2003 to 2022 and was involved in the granting of several legendary gifts helping transform the Central Florida community – namely the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Dr. Phillips Hospital, HarborChase of Dr. Phillips, The YMCA of Central Florida, University of Central Florida, Advent Health, Dr. Phillips Leadership Award and many other non–profit agencies.
Prior to his retirement in 2014 – Jim spent more than 40 years within the YMCA organization providing leadership to the YMCA’s of Central Florida, Charlotte, North Carolina, Houston, Texas and Akron, Ohio. Frequently referred to as a “visionary”, Jim’s leadership to the YMCA of Central Florida resulted in tremendous growth and community partnerships with many volunteers being engaged, connected, and impacted. He lead the YMCA of Central Florida for 21 years where his team built a Top Ten Y in the United States – 27 family centers, 6 counties, with an $80 million dollar budget – The YMCA of Central Florida is extremely relevant in today’s environment. Jim’s leadership has been the catalyst for innovative, nationally recognized programs and facilities that have attracted the attention and visits from President George Bush, First Lady Michelle Obama, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, U.S. Senators Bill Nelson, and Mel Martinez and many state and local leaders. While Jim has received many accolades over the years, he was most recently inducted into the Orange County Public Schools Hall of Fame as a 2022 Community Champion.
Jim enjoys spending time with his family – Debbie, wife of 48 years and high school sweetheart; daughter, Allison; son-in-law, Chris Miller; and the apple of his eye – granddaughter, Annie (almost 7 years old). He spends as much time as possible in St. Petersburg enjoying his family and fishing & boating in the Tampa Bay area.