Jim Berson is a strategic thought partner and planner to nonprofit and public sector leaders. His work draws on 25 years of nonprofit leadership, 10 years of consulting practice, and extensive community and board service. He is the principal of Berson & Associates, a management consulting firm serving nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in the health care and social sectors across New England and the Mid-Atlantic.
Jim began his career as a grant writer. Today his practice centers on strategic planning, needs assessments, executive coaching, board governance, and strategic alliances, including dissolutions. He has led and supported research, meeting design, and group facilitation efforts, managed internal and external stakeholder engagement, and helped organizations build both capacity and alignment. His client work includes community health, human services, youth development, education, food systems, workforce development, and services for individuals with disabilities.
Before becoming a consultant, Jim served four years as chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Providence. He previously held several senior management roles at Meeting Street and The Providence Center, including chief operating officer at both organizations, and has served as interim executive director for nonprofit organizations in Providence.
Jim has extensive nonprofit board service. He chaired the boards for the Rhode Island Business Group on Health, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Rhode Island Quality Institute. He has also served on quasi-public boards, including the Quonset Development Corporation and the Interagency Coordinating Council for Early Intervention, which he chaired.
Jim received his bachelor’s degree from Brown University and his Master of Public Health from Boston University. He and his wife relocated from North Kingstown, Rhode Island to West Philadelphia in November 2025. His two adult children live in the region.
