Kerry Wagner Woodward is the first Executive Director of Philadelphia Financial Scholars. She oversees curriculum and professional development, school partnerships, corporate sponsorships, program expansion, mission advocacy, and collaborates with the Board of Directors on the strategic vision of the organization.

Kerry began her career in investment banking at Deutsche Bank, gaining valuable experience and training in corporate finance, M&A, and capital market transactions. She then moved to the Philadelphia region and worked as the Director of Investment Analysis at Preferred Unlimited.

After spending two years volunteering with students at KIPP Philadelphia and Girard College, Kerry pivoted to full-time work in the Education sector by joining the Philadelphia School Partnership in 2012. Kerry served as Portfolio Manager for the $100 million philanthropic fund and was privileged to develop strong and lasting relationships with school leaders across the city.

Next, Kerry served as the Chief Operating Officer at Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia, where she began an afterschool program teaching financial literacy before working as the first faculty liaison with the Philadelphia Financial Scholars program beginning in 2016. Prior to joining Philadelphia Financial Scholars, Kerry worked as the Deputy Chief of Institutional Advancement at Mastery Schools where she was responsible for development, communications, and other special projects for the 24-school and 14,000 student network.

Ms. Woodward earned her B.A. from Wellesley College and a Certificate of Business Excellence from Columbia Business School.

James Meng is serving as Program Coordinator for the Spring 2022 semester. James is a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he received a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School with concentrations in Finance and Statistics. James also graduated summa cum laude and as a Joseph Wharton Scholar. At the University of Pennsylvania, James was involved with the Wharton Investment and Trading Group, Wharton Undergraduate Private Equity and Venture Capital, and Penn International Impact Consulting. James is passionate about sharing financial literacy and entrepreneurship education with students and families across Philadelphia. In his free time, James enjoys swimming, running, and exploring national parks.