James Bologa is a seasoned executive and transformative leader with over 30 years of experience in finance, operations, and education management. As President & CEO of Porter and Chester Institute (PCI), he has led the institution through tremendous growth, strategic restructuring, and modernization. Known for his student-first mindset and operational rigor, James has positioned PCI as a leading provider of career-focused education in the Northeast. His leadership style combines strategic foresight, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative spirit that motivates teams and delivers measurable outcomes.
ContactBeyond his role at PCI, James contributes to the broader educational and business communities. Since 2019, he has served as a business advisor at AdvisoryCloud, providing strategic insight to emerging companies. He also served as a commissioner for the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges (ACCSC), shaping accreditation standards and championing student outcomes. These roles reflect his ongoing commitment to quality education and industry leadership.
James brings a versatile background from industries such as healthcare, technology, and education. He has served as Chief Financial Officer at Familymeds Group, where he managed financial operations and strategic investments. At Daticon, Inc., he served as Executive Vice President, navigating corporate growth and M&A activity. His cross-industry experience has shaped his agile leadership style and enabled him to guide PCI through complex transformations with clarity and efficiency.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, James Bologa led one of PCI’s most critical transitions—shifting from in-person to online learning in just 24 hours. This swift and seamless transition allowed students to continue their education uninterrupted, demonstrating his ability to lead under pressure. His proactive response not only maintained instructional continuity but also accelerated PCI’s long-term plans for technology-driven education. It was a defining moment that reinforced PCI’s resilience and commitment to students.
James leads with empathy, humility, and strategic insight. He believes in inclusive decision-making and encourages open dialogue across all levels of the organization. His collaborative approach has strengthened PCI’s internal culture and empowered faculty and staff to take ownership of institutional success. By building trust and fostering shared accountability, James has created a work environment where innovation is encouraged, and performance is consistently high.
James Bologa is a forward-thinking planner who balances short-term goals with long-term vision. He has overseen multi-campus expansions, rebranding initiatives, and the rollout of new academic offerings tailored to market demand. His ability to align strategy with execution has strengthened PCI’s brand and positioned it for continued success. James regularly uses data, market analysis, and stakeholder input to guide organizational decisions that benefit students and the institution alike.
James Bologa is the President & CEO of Porter and Chester Institute, a career-focused post-secondary institution. With over 30 years of executive experience, he specializes in education leadership, finance, and strategic transformation.
He’s known for leading educational transformation at PCI, where he has implemented hybrid learning models, grown enrollment by 50%, and aligned education with workforce needs across multiple states.
James holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Elmira College and completed advanced accounting studies at the University of South Florida and St. Leo University. He is also a CPA (inactive).
He is certified in Six Sigma Green Belt and Lean Tools, and previously held an active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, which supported his roles in finance and operations.
Before joining Porter and Chester Institute, James held executive positions including CFO of Familymeds Group, EVP at Daticon, and VP at TranSwitch Corporation, overseeing finance and operations.
James has held senior leadership roles in healthcare, semiconductors, education, and professional services. His diverse experience has shaped his ability to lead complex organizational change.
James has served as President & CEO of PCI for over 17 years, driving institutional growth, innovation, and student success initiatives across multiple campuses in the Northeast.