One of the region’s largest social service non-profit executive leadership team draws on diverse experience to elevate and grow JEVS programs and visibility.

Philadelphia, PA (October 27, 2022) —  Cynthia Figueroa, President and CEO of JEVS Human Services (JEVS), recently announced a new organizational structure and the members of the agency’s executive leadership team. The team will lead the integration of JEVS services and strategic business development for the organization, which has a budget of $110 million and offices in PA, NJ, and DE.

Figueroa was named President and CEO in February 2022. After a six-month assessment process that included extensive listening sessions with staff, board, funders, and key stakeholders, Figueroa aligned the organizational infrastructure to focus on increasing JEVS visibility in the community and developing a strategic growth plan across the agency. Through its emphasis on economic development, community safety, and supporting independent living for the people it serves, JEVS is well positioned to elevate its partnerships with the business community, philanthropy, and government to address many of the issues facing our region today.

The newly formed JEVS executive leadership team will draw from their diverse experiences in government, non-profit, for-profit organizations, and personal backgrounds to support the needs of the agency and those it serves in the region.

The new JEVS executive leadership team is:

  • Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO
  • Daryl Andress, Senior Vice President, JEVS Care at Home
  • Nancy Astor Fox, Chief of Advancement
  • Natalie Barndt, Chief of Staff
  • Jeff Booth, Senior Vice President, Workforce Development
  • Christine Gillespie, Senior Vice President, Career and Technical Education
  • Heather Keafer, Senior Vice President, Communications and External Affairs
  • Waleska Maldonado, Chief of Programs
  • Bill McKeown, Senior Vice President Information Technology and Facilities
  • Phil Moran, Chief Financial Officer
  • Liza Rodriquez, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Hugh Simmons, SPHR, Chief Human Resources Officer
  • Katie Shinholster, Senior Vice President of Development
  • Clara Thompson, Senior Vice President, Community Living and Home Supports

Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO

Prior to joining JEVS Human Services, Cynthia served as Deputy Mayor, Office of Children and Families 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 several other key operating departments. Cynthia’s previous roles also include President and CEO at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Commissioner for Philadelphia Department of Human Services. She has also held roles at several community-based organizations working on the front lines serving Philadelphia’s most vulnerable communities including behavioral health, health care access, and domestic violence. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Spring Hill College.

Daryl Andress, Senior Vice President, JEVS Care at Home

With over 30 years in the human services field, Daryl brings expertise in executive leadership, program expansion, leadership development and project/initiative management as well as strengths in regulatory compliance, financial standards, and best practices. Daryl holds a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University.

Nancy Astor Fox, Chief of Advancement

Nancy leads all aspects of individual and institutional development, volunteer activities and strategic planning initiatives. Previously Nancy served as JEVS Chief Development Officer. An avid volunteer, Nancy is co-founder of the Acharai Fund and is on the board of Emily’s Entourage. She has worked with the Jewish community through her involvement with the Jewish Federation of North America and the local Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. She is also a former board member of JEVS Human Services. Nancy is a graduate of Harvard University.

Natalie Barndt, Chief of Staff

Natalie brings extensive experience that spans the private, public, and nonprofit sectors as well as consulting. After 17 years in corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions Natalie shifted to working with organizations with missions more aligned with her personal values and she hasn’t looked back.  Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff at The Welcoming Center where she shepherded the strategic planning process and organizational development projects. Prior to that she worked with government and nonprofits focused on social and economic equity. Natalie holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Delaware and an MA in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jeff Booth, Senior Vice President, Workforce Development

Jeffrey has over 27 years of workforce development experience that spans private sector workforce programs, consulting, and nonprofit leadership roles. His portfolio includes workforce development, youth, reentry, and diversion programs. It includes PA’s largest Work Ready program, an integrated CareerLink Center, an E3 Power Center and The Choice is Yours, an innovative alternative to incarceration program. Jeffrey holds a bachelor’s in Sociology from St. Joseph’s University

Christine Gillespie, Ed.D, Senior Vice President, Career and Technical Education

Christine engages in key education and workforce initiatives, including employer-driven workforce reentry training, academic pathway development, and public-private funded initiatives. She has been recognized by the US Department of Labor, the US Secretary of Defense, and the Consulate General of Ecuador for her work nationally in higher education and regionally for her work with veteran groups, underserved communities of color, including immigrants and those with intellectual disabilities. She serves on several professional boards and committees as well as being active in non-profit volunteer work raising funds for educational scholarships. Christine holds degrees from Pennsylvania State University and Indiana University of PA.

Heather Keafer, Senior Vice President, Communications and External Affairs

Heather has over 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit and public sectors. Prior to JEVS, Heather served as Chief of Communications and Strategies for the City of Philadelphia, Office of Children and Families. There she led the department’s integrated communications strategy, media and external relations, community engagement, and marketing. She led communications for the City’s key pandemic emergency responses, including food distribution. She also served as Communications Director for the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. Prior to her work in government, Heather held nonprofit leadership roles in communications, advocacy, fundraising, and administration. She has bachelor’s in Journalism from Messiah College and an masters in Urban Studies from Temple University.

Waleska Maldonado, Chief of Programs

Wally has over 25 years of experience in non-profit and government program development and capacity building. Her decades of experience include developing and implementing a federally qualified health center and establishing citywide Family Empowerment Centers. She most recently oversaw a $105 million budget for the City of Philadelphia prevention services, including WorkReady and E3 services. Prior to her city service, Wally was Chief Program Officer at Congreso de Latinos Unidos where she oversaw education and workforce services. Wally holds a Master of Health Services Administration from Strayer University and a Business Administration degree from Temple University.

Bill McKeown, Senior Vice President, Information Technology and Facilities

Bill has more than 24 years of Information Technology (IT) leadership experience and a consistent track record of internal and external customer satisfaction. He is adept in virtualization and infrastructure management, enterprise architectures, change and risk management, security controls, and disaster recovery solutions. Bill leads JEVS IT Department with extensive knowledge of creating robust IT architectures and infrastructures for large non-profit organizations and utilizing technology strategies and solutions to achieve strategic business goals while maximizing ROI.

Phil Moran, Chief Financial Officer

Phil has decades of experience in financial accounting and reporting, budgeting, financial forecasting, cost reduction, process improvement, treasury management and accounting systems implementation. He is a results-focused financial leader with extensive accounting, treasury, and business planning expertise. Adept at pivoting effectively from the strategic to the tactical, Phil is accomplished at developing strong accounting and finance organizations and systems. Phil is a CPA and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Saint Joseph’s University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Liza M. Rodriquez, Ph.D. Chief Administrative Officer

Liza has twenty-five years of leadership experience in the government and non-profit sectors, where she has worked to strengthen human service and education systems through data-driven, talent development, and cross-sector strategies. Prior to JEVS, she served as Chief of Performance Management and Technology for the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families from January 2020 to July 2022 after serving as Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Human Services starting in October 2016. Born and raised in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Liza has a bachelor’s degree from Duke University, a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D.in Urban Education from Temple University.

Hugh Simmons, SPHR, Chief Human Resources Officer

Hugh Simmons career in human resources has spanned a variety of industries. He is skilled at developing workforce strategies, leading organizational development, and implementing initiatives that support revenue and profit objectives. Hugh’s expertise includes employee relations and engagement, recruitment strategies, turnover reduction, benefits plan cost control design, effective pay-for-performance compensation and incentive plan development, and diversity. Hugh holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Hartwick College and Senior Professional in Human Resources certification from Villanova University.

Katie Shinholster, Senior Vice President, Development

Katie leads fundraising strategies and fund development efforts, including individual and corporate development as well as all volunteer activities. Katie has over 20 years of experience in various aspects of development. Katie is highly skilled in relationship building, corporate sponsorship, governance, planned giving and major gifts fundraising. She holds her master’s degree in social work from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and social research, and her undergraduate degree in Human Services from Boston College.

Clara Thompson, Senior Vice President, Community Living and In Home Supports

With over 30 years of experience in the consumer-directed services field, Clara’s career is focused on improving the quality of everyday life for individuals. During her tenure at JEVS, Clara has led the development of several new innovative programs as well as program acquisition. Clara holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Messiah College. She also holds a Senior Professional in Human Services Certification from Villanova University.

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