Life’s work continued at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast

This week, Heidi Brown, the newly selected CEO for the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast, Inc. (JFCS), embarks on a new journey. Beginning tomorrow, she will take the helm at JFCS and lead a team of 86 full-time and 27 part-time staff members, 25 contractors and 473 volunteers.

To Heidi, this new role signifies a continuation of her life’s work, fulfilling her passion for building relationships, helping people and engaging in vital connections to improve the community. A role that allows her to build upon the nonprofit’s legacy of significant work of providing much-needed services to the community.

“Her expertise, broad-based community support and dedication will help to further propel JFCS into the future, enhancing the important work we do within the Sarasota and Manatee communities,” says Stephen Seidensticker, chairman of the board of directors at JFCS.

Heidi has a thorough and dedicated history in the social and human services fields. A dedication that began with her first paid job in the social services field, working with young adults who lived at group homes after being discharged from a psychiatric hospital setting.

Brian D. Lipton, the Regional Director of the American Jewish Committee, West Coast Florida, was introduced to Heidi through the Benderson family when she was first hired as CEO of Aviva, formerly Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson.

“I was immediately impressed with her people skills,” Brian says. “Her engaging smile and warm personality quickly laid the groundwork for a wonderful working relationship. Heidi has been a very supportive colleague of AJC, as well as to me personally.”

That relationship deepened when Brian moved his parents to Sarasota. One of the main reasons he said he chose Aviva for his parents was because of Heidi’s excellent leadership skills and her ability to make every client feel special and important.

“She has the unique ability to see the larger picture of an organization while also providing the individualized customer service that clients need, which was very important to my family,” says Brian. “She has the perfect combination of professional and personal skills, which one rarely sees in a CEO.”

During Heidi’s time as CEO of Aviva, Brian saw dramatic changes in the physical upgrades of the facility, the implementation of innovative activities and the recruitment of top-level personals.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving this community as AJC’s Regional Director for over 10 years,” Brian says. “I’m proud of our community, and I want only the very best for it. Heidi shares this love of our community with me. I have taken advantage of the services of JFCS and am a donor, and I was thrilled to learn of Heidi’s new position as CEO of JFCS. She’s a gift to our community, and I am confident that she will continue the tremendous growth of this vital organization.”

Veronica Brady, Senior Vice President for Philanthropy at Gulf Coast Community Foundation, moved her mother into Aviva in March 2016, a decision that was made only two months prior.

“Aviva was the only place I ever looked,” Veronica said. “I made an appointment, through Heidi, to meet with a staff person and tour the facility. I knew about the great work of Aviva and the Sarasota Manatee Jewish Housing Council Foundation through my work at Gulf Coast Community Foundation, which is a longtime supporter.”

What Veronica loved most was the warmth, helpful staff, enthusiasm and friendliness that they were greeted with. A culture that she says Heidi helped create.

“Heidi was amazing at Aviva, but I’m excited about her transition to JFCS. I know she will take that level of commitment, relationship management and creative ideas and bring it to one of the most important health and human services agencies in our community. Her connections will only continue to strengthen the relationship between Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast and Aviva as well as throughout the community.”

Sally Schule, Director of Community Engagement for Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, moved her in-laws into Aviva last October. Since her parents have been there, she’s seen Heidi’s influence.

“I think while at Aviva, Heidi helped create a wonderful, inclusive culture seen throughout the organization,” says Sally. “From the residents to the staff, everyone is very pleasant, and there has never been a time when we have walked in the hallway or into the atrium that someone doesn’t say hello. I think that atmosphere comes from the leadership team at the top, and I look forward to seeing the great things she will do at JFCS.”

As Heidi takes the lead at the multi-county premier multi-function social service nonprofit, she plans to focus on growing collaborative community partnerships, increasing the range of services offered and working to raise the visibility of the organization. A former breast cancer survivor, she brings a unique perspective to JFCS’ new Cancer Support and Wellness Program. She hopes to proactively streamline and increase services offered to cancer survivors and their families. To learn more about Heidi and JFCS, which is celebrating it’s 30th year of service to the community, visit JFCS-Cares.org or call 941-366-2224.