Annual Community Leadership Award Dinner 2007 Recipient

James J. Cuorato

James J. Cuorato is a lifelong Philadelphian. He graduated from Father Judge High School in Northeast Philadelphia, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University, and his MBA from Drexel University.

He began his 29-year career in City government in 1975 as a Project Manager at the City’s Redevelopment Authority. From 1980-1986, Jim continued his work on major projects at the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC). He played a key role in planning and securing funding for the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

From 1986-1994, Jim served in the City’s Department of Commerce as an Assistant Director, Deputy, and First Deputy. He was the City’s point person on the Convention Center project and also was heavily involved in waterfront development. In 1994, he was appointed Executive Vice President of the Penn’s Landing Corporation, the quasi-public agency which manages Philadelphia’s central waterfront. In this capacity, he oversaw the development of several major projects, including the Hyatt Regency and Dockside, and helped to obtain millions of dollars for public improvements to the waterfront.

In July 2000, Jim was appointed City Representative and Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia by Mayor John F. Street. He had oversight for all business development, marketing, and economic development projects in the city and managed a $10 million departmental budget. Among his accomplishments were leading the effort to secure a long-term agreement for the Army-Navy game; providing assistance for numerous commercial projects in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods; participating in the effort to attract Southwest Airlines to Philadelphia; and overseeing development in key areas of the city such as the Navy Yard and University City.

Jim joined Brandywine Realty Trust, the nation’s fifth largest office building developer, in April 2004. He is currently Vice President of Urban Development and is responsible for all aspects of development of selected projects, including site acquisition, securing governmental approvals, assembling and managing a development team, and marketing the property.

Jim has been honored by a number of civic and neighborhood organizations for public service, including “Community Leader of the Year” awards from the Mount Airy USA Community Development Corporation; the Waterfront Business Association; the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation; the ACE Mentoring Program; and the National Italian American Political Action Committee. He received an “Outstanding Alumnus” award from Drexel University and was inducted into the Father Judge High School Hall of Fame – Public Sector division in 2002.

Jim is on the Advisory Board of both Northern Home for Children and the Center for Families and Relationships, two organizations dedicated to helping children and families in need. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Marian Anderson Award, which distributes grants for emerging classical artists and high school students interested in the arts. Jim is on the Board of Directors of the ACE Mentor Program of Southeastern Pennsylvania, which works with local high school students and awards scholarships to those interested in careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. Jim is also the Chair of ACE’s annual fundraising breakfast.

Jim lives in Northeast Philadelphia with his two sons, James III and Vincent.