Pamela J. Moore

Native Detroiter Pamela Moore has joined the Detroit Food Academy as its new Executive Director.  Pamela has over 15 years of leading and consulting Detroit nonprofits.  Most recently, she served as Partner at the Vella Strategic and Philanthropic Group, working alongside Founder Jim Vella consulting numerous local nonprofits in the areas of strategic planning, organizational and board development, fundraising, marketing, and communications. 

Prior to that, Moore was President and CEO of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, the fundraising arm of the largest public district in the state of Michigan. Under her leadership, she managed the COVID-19 pandemic fundraising efforts, led by corporate and philanthropic leaders and individual donor partners, raising $24MM to provide laptops, internet, and technical support to 50,000 students and 35,000 households.  

Her public service includes reporting to the past three Mayors in various roles.  While serving under the Bing Administration in 2011, Moore transitioned the troubled, underperforming Department of Workforce Development, to a high-performing 501(c)(3) public workforce agency, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation. Her work was recognized by the Obama Administration. 

Pamela is a proud Detroit Public Schools alumna, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and an MBA from Wayne State University.

“It’s a privilege to serve in this role with an amazing team to increase exposure and hands-on experiences for young people to learn about and get connected to career pathways leading to Detroit’s thriving culinary scene.  This feels like home.”