Jewish Family Services (JFS) of St. Louis today announced Miriam Seidenfeld is stepping down from her role as Chief Executive Officer.
Under Miriam’s leadership during the past seven years, JFS achieved significant accomplishments, including a series of strategic initiatives that have enhanced services, expanded partnerships, and helped ensure the agency was consistently able to anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of the community.
During her tenure, which included navigating the challenges of maintaining services throughout the COVID pandemic and rising economic pressures, JFS doubled its endowment, maintained financial stability, rebranded the organization, and expanded its child abuse prevention, older adult, and behavioral health services to reach more families and youth across the region.
“Miriam has made many meaningful contributions to JFS and to the community we serve,” said Megan Wilson, President of the JFS Board of Directors. “She guided JFS through a period of tremendous challenge and change and helped strengthen the agency’s reputation as a trusted partner in mental health services, addressing food insecurity, and supporting a range of social services.”
The JFS Board of Directors has appointed Matt Schindler Interim CEO to guide the agency during this transition. A native of St. Louis, Matt previously served as CEO of Seed St. Louis, formerly Gateway Greening, an organization that supports the use of vacant lots for urban agriculture and works to increase sources of affordable fresh food to residents. Matt’s career has included roles with Downtown STL, Inc. and the International Institute of St. Louis.
Matt will start in his role on December 8.
“Thanks to our dedicated staff, generous donors, passionate volunteers, and strong community partners, JFS will continue to be here for our community, with the same professionalism and heart that have always defined our work,” Wilson said.