Cynthia F. Figueroa (Cynthia) Cynthia F. Figueroa is the President and CEO of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), beginning her tenure in February 2022.
She is a dynamic leader with over 25 years of experience in the government and non-profit human service sectors. She builds high-performing, diverse teams and develops outcome-based programs and services. She also is a creative problem-solver, a staunch advocate for creating equitable systems, and a transformative thought leader.
Prior to joining JEVS, Cynthia served as Deputy Mayor, City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families (OCF), under Mayor Jim Kenney. In this role she provided leadership and oversight of the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Free Library of Philadelphia, as well as PHL PreK and Community Schools. While Deputy Mayor, Cynthia co-led the mayor’s special initiative to address institutional racism focused on police reform, community engagement, and an inclusive economy. She also led COVID emergency responses, including Access Centers for the School District of Philadelphia and citywide food distribution. Her government service also includes service as Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for DHS.
Cynthia previously served as the President and CEO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos and Executive Director of Women Against Abuse. Earlier in her career, she worked on the front lines providing direct service in the areas of behavioral health, health care access, and domestic violence.
Cynthia is serves on the following boards of directors: CLASP, the Reinvestment Fund, Jefferson Health Plans, Spring Garden Lending Group, and the Philadelphia Zoo. Previous board service includes United Way USA (Board Chair) and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern PA. Additionally, she is a member of the Women’s Forum of Philadelphia and the International Women’s Forum. Cynthia also served on transition teams for both Governor Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle Parker.
In recognition of her leadership and professional achievements, Cynthia has been bestowed numerous awards and honors. Some of these include being honored as a Pennsylvania Distinguished Daughter by Governor Wolf, named to City & State’s Fifty over 50 Most Distinguished People in Pennsylvania, the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship, the University of Pennsylvania Outstanding Leadership Award, the National Football League/Philadelphia Eagles Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award, the Peter B. Goldberg Aramark Building Community Executive Leadership Award, and the Hispanic Bar Association La Justicia Award. She was also the Ricardo Salinas Scholar for the Aspen Institute Executive Leadership Seminar.
Cynthia has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Spring Hill College. She was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two children.