Currently serving on the board of directors for both The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation and Dr. Phillips Inc., James (Jim) Ferber is President and CEO of the Central Florida YMCA. Frequently referred to as a ‘visionary’ for the YMCA, Ferber has spent more than 35 years with the organization. Providing leadership to YMCAs located in Charlotte, N.C. and Houston, Texas before relocating to Orlando, he has been with the YMCA of Central Flordida for the past 16 years and his leadership has resulted in tremendous growth for the now $60 million association, which consists of 27 Family Centers in six counties and more than 2,000 part- and full-time staff.

Ferber has supervised more that $150 million in capital expansions and has been instrumental in creating several public/private partnerships including the nation’s first integrated YMCA/elementary school in the Lake Nona community, a YMCA within a county park located in East Orange County, a Family Center within a Community College in Cocoa, as well as two YMCA Early Childhood Development Centers in partnership with Walt Disney World Resort.

His philosophy of carpe diem ("seize the day") has quickly been adopted by YMCA of Central Florida volunteers and staff.  It's this philsophy, along with the YMCA's mission -to improve the lives of all in Central Florida by connecting individuals, families and communities with opportunities based on Christian values that strengthen Spirit, Mind and Body - that continues to lead the organization to make a daily difference. 

Ferber's dedication to the community is demonstrated by his extensive volunteerism with the following organizations:  Committee of 100 of Orange County; The Heart of Florida United Way; Orlando Chamber of Commerce; Florida Citrus Sports; First Presbyterian Church of Orlando; the Healthy Community Initiative Board; the Community Development Committee of the Celebration Community Church; Teacheriffic Selection Committee; Valencia Foundation; and the University of Central Florida Health Services Administration Advisory Board.  In addition, Ferber has been in many leadership roles in planning and public policy with the YMCA of the USA.

Ferber has been recognized for his leadership with the YMCA National CEO Champion of Childcare Award, and was recently nominated as one of Central Florida's Most Influential Men.  Ferber received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Akron.