Dear JFS Community,

A Full Circle Moment

Today, as I begin as CEO of Jewish Family Service, I find myself reflecting on my very first day at JFS—16 years ago. I came here wanting to make a difference in a place that aligned with my values.

Just a few months after I started as the Director of Older Adult Services, both my parents passed away. In that difficult time, the work we do at JFS became even more personal and even more powerful for me. It reminded me that the work we do every day is more than a collection of services. It’s community. It’s care. And it matters more than we sometimes realize.

I never imagined that day 16 years ago was the beginning of a journey that would lead me to the honor of serving as the sixth CEO of this incredible organization.

Standing on Strong Shoulders

I stand on the shoulders of those who built this organization—from the Jolly Sixteen, to the CEOs who taught me so much, Jill Spitzer and Michael Hopkins. Their leadership shaped an agency rooted in compassion, community, and transformative service. To follow in their footsteps is an incredible privilege.

At our Annual Meeting, Rabbi Phil Graubart, our keynote speaker, described JFS as “extraordinary” and “the most consequential organization in San Diego.” I couldn’t agree more. What makes JFS truly extraordinary is not just the work we do, it’s the people and partners we do it with.

Our People, Our Power

From our dedicated staff and generous supporters to our passionate volunteers and committed Board of Directors—JFS is powered by people who care deeply and show up fully. And the individuals, families, and communities we have the privilege of working with? They leave me in awe. The strength, resilience, and trust demonstrated by the people we serve, especially in life’s hardest moments, are powerful and inspiring.

Meeting the Moment

There’s no denying that we’re living through challenging times—rising costs, deepening divides, and widespread uncertainty. And yet, as Rabbi Phil Graubart reminded us at our Annual Meeting, there’s a song sung at summer camps across the country—Im Tirtzu—inspired by the powerful words: “If you will it, it is no dream.”

With determination, the seemingly impossible becomes possible—and together, we can rise to meet any moment.

A Clear Path Forward

What has always been true about JFS is this: We find a way to meet the moment.

As we look ahead, our work will be focused on four essential goals:

• Ensuring everyone has a safe, stable place to live
• Making sure everyone has enough nutritious food to eat
• Surrounding every person with a community of support
• Continuing to innovate in everything we do—because the world is changing, needs are evolving, and technology can help us do more, reach further, and serve better

Moving Forward Together

I am incredibly grateful to be part of a team that shows up every day ready to make a difference. JFS is not ordinary—it is extraordinary. And that’s because of the courage, creativity, expertise, and kindness we bring to our work—and to one another.

As we move from strength to strength, I couldn’t be more ready to lead JFS forward.

Because at JFS, we are always Moving Forward Together.