Jim Downey joined the BLOCS team in 2014. In his role as Development Manager, Downey leads the promotion of the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) training programs while increasing visibility for BLOCS. Downey’s efforts in training tax professionals and development managers at over 120 organizations and schools led to a significant increase in the pipeline of new donor prospects, as well as the creation of schools’ development & alumni boards. His marketing efforts focus around educating stakeholders (both businesses and individuals) on the availability of tax credits, while helping to satisfy their affinity for creating greater academic opportunities for area families in need. In FY 18-19, Downey was responsible for raising $7M in scholarship monies via tax credit funds, helping to increase BLOCS’ overall revenue to $46M.

Downey is a results-driven leader with over 40 years of sales and operations experience. His exceptional business acumen and commitment to providing the highest quality service experience for his clients and donors have allowed Downey to excel in consistently achieving his sales and fundraising goals year over year.

Prior to joining the BLOCS team, Downey held sales & operations management positions at Synergy Orthopedic (2010-14), Bio-Skin (2006-2010), Classic Soft Trim (2002-04), AAMCO Transmissions (1994-02), and Coyne Textile (1990-94).

A 1980 alumnus of Widener University, Downey has remained active in high school and collegiate athletics – having officiated for over 40 years as a NCAA Division I football official as well as coaching high school basketball for over 10 years. Downey currently serves as the Assistant Girls Basketball coach at Marple Newtown High School. Downey and his wife Tina reside in Havertown, PA and have two children and one grandchild.