Press ReleasesSAN DIEGO—Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFSSD), one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit organizations, announced today the appointment of Dana Toppel as Chief Executive Officer and Theresa Dupuis as chair of the board of directors. Both leaders are widely recognized for their experience, innovation and deep commitment to community.
A visionary with more than 16 years at JFS—including the past nine as Chief Operating Officer—Toppel has been instrumental in guiding the agency through periods of extraordinary growth and community need, including its first-in-the-region economic mobility work and Safe Parking Program. As JFS’s newest CEO, she is only the sixth person to step into the role in the agency’s 107-year history.
“I’m honored and humbled to lead Jewish Family Service, an organization that believes in the inherent dignity of all people, just as I do,” said Toppel. “I feel deeply privileged to carry forward a legacy of compassion, excellence and care. Our mission is rooted in meeting the changing needs of our community. As we move forward, JFS’s work will be focused on three goals; ensuring everyone has a safe, stable place to live, enough nutritious food to eat and a community of support that they can rely on.”
Joining Toppel in leading the organization is Theresa Dupuis, who begins her two-year term as board chair after years of dedicated service to JFS and the Jewish community at large. A respected leader in organizational development and human resources, Dupuis brings both strategic insight and a passion for advancing the agency’s causes.
“I’m honored to serve as board chair. Every JFS action is rooted in compassion and a deep respect for each individual we serve,” said Dupuis. “When it comes to services, we know one size does not fit all. JFS works with each family and person to find their unique path forward.”
Every year, JFS serves people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds through a range of integrated services that promote stability, resilience and dignity. The organization is at the forefront of regional efforts to combat hunger and homelessness, support mental health and aging with dignity, assist immigrants and refugees, aid vulnerable members of the Jewish community, and build more connected, thriving communities.
About Dana Toppel
Toppel joined JFS in 2009 and has served as director of older adult services, divisional director of clinical services and chief program officer prior to assuming the role of chief operating officer in 2015.
Before joining the JFS team, Toppel worked as a director, consultant and therapist for the San Diego LGBT Community Center; therapist and consultant for the Mother, Child, Adolescent Program at University of California, San Diego; and foster care social worker for San Diego Youth Services.
Currently, she serves as a commissioner on the California Commission of Aging, chair of San Diego for Every Child and is the founder of Make Work Work For Moms.
Toppel earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in social work and an MBA from San Diego State University. She is a licensed clinical social worker in the State of California.
About Theresa Dupuis
Dupuis has been a leader in San Diego’s nonprofit and Jewish communities for more than 20 years. She has served as board chair of Federation Women’s Philanthropy, the Jewish Federation of San Diego, San Diego Jewish Academy, and Camp Mountain Chai, bringing deep experience in governance, strategy, and community engagement.
Dupuis’ professional background is in leadership development, team dynamics and organizational effectiveness. A native Southeast San Diegan, Theresa is committed to strengthening both the Jewish and broader communities through inclusive, impactful services.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and an MBA from the University of San Diego.
For more information about Jewish Family Service and its leadership, visit www.jfssd.org.
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego—Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies—providing resources and support to tens of thousands of people every year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community.
To get help, volunteer, or support JFS, visit www.jfssd.org or call 858-637-3000.
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