FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – (February 7, 2022) – Broward Education Foundation, the only 501(c)3 directly supporting Broward County Public Schools, has named James A. Knapp as director of advancement. In this newly created position, Knapp will be responsible for creating and implementing fundraising and development initiatives and cultivating new and existing partnerships to drive the non-profit organization’s continued growth.
Knapp has extensive experience developing comprehensive fundraising campaigns for educational institutions. Most recently, Knapp served as the associate vice president of development for Palm Beach Atlantic University where he led strategic initiatives and developed meaningful relationships and partnerships. Previously he was chief strategy officer for The Cushman School and spent seven years in various development and community positions at Florida International University.
“James has a deep understanding of how to fund educational programs, significant experience in the development process and access to influential connections throughout the community, all of which will be an asset to our team,” said Shea Ciriago, CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “He is passionate about what we do and is eager to begin working to support the students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools.”
A resident of Pembroke Pines, Knapp earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University, where he was a linebacker on the football team and pitcher and outfielder for the baseball team. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration in Sports Administration from St. Thomas University in Miami.
Knapp serves on the board of the Miramar and Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce, and is involved with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Business Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Team Respect and Sports Business and Leadership Association, among others. He has participated in several leadership programs including Leadership Broward and has been recognized with numerous awards including 40 Under 40 by South Florida Business Journal.
About Broward Education Foundation
Broward Education Foundation is the only 501(c)3 charitable organization solely dedicated to supporting Broward County Public Schools and serves as a catalyst for educational excellence by providing teacher grants to fund development of innovative curriculum that advances Pre K-12 achievement; vitally needed school supplies for Title I school students, and scholarships for qualified high school seniors. Established in 1983, the non-profit Broward Education Foundation contributes more than $3 million to Broward County Public Schools annually. Most recently, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation provided students and teachers with PPE and supplies valued at an additional $2 million. In 2018, responding to the Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, Broward Education Foundation initiated a GoFundMe campaign, established the official Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund and raised $10.5M for victims’ families, survivors and those impacted. Broward Education Foundation is proven agile, adept and responsive to shifting needs in education and our community. For more information visit browardedfoundation.org, email BEFInfo@browardschools.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
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