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James M. Mele, PRSBA, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations
Mr. Mele is the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations for Pace School. In his 22-year tenure, he has been instrumental in Pace School maintaining a consistently sound financial position during periods of significant growth and change.
In addition to managing the fiscal affairs of the school, including budgeting, financial planning, payroll/benefits administration, purchasing and supply management and coordination of state and private audits, he also served as project manager for multiple construction and renovation projects including a $4.5 million relocation effort to the School's current site. He has guided the Pace Board of Directors and administrators through regulatory changes and funding diversifications over the last two decades that yielded opportunities for service expansion as reflected in staff increases of 50% and operating budget increases of 500%. During this time he also served on several legislative committees to improve services to students of Approved Private Schools across Pennsylvania.
Mr. Mele holds a degree in Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was certified as a Pennsylvania Registered School Business Administrator (PRSBA) in 1994 and commissioned in 1986 as Notary Public. His professional memberships include: the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO); Pennsylvania Association of Notaries (PAN); and the Western Pennsylvania Facility Directors Association.
An avid sportsman and golfer, Mr. Mele also serves the community as the Treasurer for the statewide Alliance of Approved Private Schools and the Boards of Directors of Mentoring Partnerships of Southwestern PA and Smart Futures.
