Each year, AFP honors individuals who, through their hard work and dedication, have enhanced philanthropy in their communities and the world.  The Outstanding Fundraising Executive award spotlights those fundraisers who have done just this.

Lance James serves as the Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD) Chief Development Officer and the PPLD Foundation’s Executive Director. In that role, he is responsible for all aspects of building and managing strong partnerships with individual donors, foundations, businesses, and nonprofit groups in the Pikes Peak regional community to support PPLD’s extraordinary staff, its 16 locations, and 3+ million annual visitors.

Prior to joining PPLD in 2018, James led the philanthropic efforts of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Harrison School District Two and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association at various times during the past 25 years. A Colorado Springs resident since 1996, James graduated from the Center for Creative Leadership’s Community Leadership Program and serves on the Harrison School District Two Foundation Board of Directors. He is a proud former board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Southern Colorado and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado - Pikes Peak.

He is married to his wonderful wife Jessica and has two amazing children and a furry, yellow Labrador retriever. In his spare time, you can find him digging in his garden, coaching youth baseball, making a mess cooking in the kitchen, and officiating college and high school soccer matches.

Regarding this award, James said, “I am deeply humbled to join the esteemed list of award winners who came before me. What makes this honor all the more special is that it comes from my peers and to be recognized by those you serve with is incredibly gratifying. Thank you to the PPLD staff and Trustees and the PPLD Foundation board for all your support and making my job a joy.”