Jerry McPherson

Jerry J. McPherson is an economic activist, community leader, and a dedicated change agent committed to advocating for and empowering underrepresented communities throughout his career. Jerry’s professional journey encompasses diverse experiences, spanning from successful ventures in entrepreneurship to impactful leadership roles in the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

Jerry currently serves as the Managing Director of Per Scholas Phoenix. In his role, he leads the strategic vision and program oversight to develop partnerships to execute the organization's mission of preparing individuals traditionally underrepresented in technology for high-growth careers in the industry. Jerry holds the designation of Certified Public Accountant, and brings a wealth of financial acumen to his endeavors.

Prior to joining Per Scholas, Jerry served as Director of Economic Empowerment for the Greater Phoenix Urban League where he oversaw both its workforce development program which provided career opportunities and skills training to be competitive in the evolving economy, and its Entrepreneurship Center which provided small business owners with the tools and resources to grow. 

Jerry has served on various nonprofit organizations including the Greater Phoenix Urban League, Better Ballot Arizona, ambassador for the Pacific-Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council, and previously served as President of the Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals. Jerry is a major advocate of mentorship and empowering the youth and co-founded the YP CoNEXT @ ASU, which partners students at Arizona State University with young professionals to foster personal and professional development, around leadership, life skills and community service to aid in the transition from college students to high performing professionals. 

Jerry is a member of City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego African-American Advisory Council and was recently appointed by the Arizona Governor to serve as Commissioner for the Arizona Commission of African American Affairs. 

Jerry’s achievements have garnered recognition, earning him the distinction of being honored as a “40 under 40” by two publications—the Phoenix Business Journal and CPA Practice Advisor. 

Jerry earned his Bachelor’s in Accounting from Virginia State University, one of our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, before pursuing a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University. He further honed his leadership skills by completing the Flinn-Brown Fellowship and the National Urban League’s Emerging Leaders administered by Duke University.

In addition to his extensive career and community service, Jerry J. McPherson is a veteran of the US Army National Guard.