James Burnett
Executive Director
West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution
Mr. Burnett has worked in the financial services industry for over 30 years, beginning his career with Fidelity Bank 1988. In 1999, Mr. Burnett pivoted to community economic development (“CED”) as Executive Director of the West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution (WPFSI). Because of his CED work, Mr. Burnett became an adjunct professor position at Thomas Jefferson University in the School of Sustainable Design.
In addition to his professional focus, Mr. Burnett has served diligently on various community and professional boards and is committed to the promotion of financial education and access to capital. While building ParkWest Town Center, Mr. Burnett oversaw the development of the WesGold Fellows program to provide high school students with exposure to opportunities that are typically beyond their reach. Mr. Burnett has frequently spoken about how having these students around every summer brings new ideas and focus to why VestedIn is committed to investing in Philadelphia’s youth and their impact on the future of the City.
Black Squirrel Collective, where Mr. Burnett serves as Chief Strategic Design Officer, partnered with ULI Learning in 2022 to offer the Philly RiSE Accelerator program to train local black and brown developers grow their business through access to capital, coaching, and properties. Read more here.
In addition to his professional focus, Mr. Burnett has served diligently on various community and professional boards and is committed to the promotion of financial education and access to capital. While building ParkWest Town Center, Mr. Burnett oversaw the development of the WesGold Fellows program to provide high school students with exposure to opportunities that are typically beyond their reach. Mr. Burnett has frequently spoken about how having these students around every summer brings new ideas and focus to why VestedIn is committed to investing in Philadelphia’s youth and their impact on the future of the City.
Black Squirrel Collective, where Mr. Burnett serves as Chief Strategic Design Officer, partnered with ULI Learning in 2022 to offer the Philly RiSE Accelerator program to train local black and brown developers grow their business through access to capital, coaching, and properties. Read more here.
