Huntington Nonprofit Family Service League Appoints New CEO

HUNTINGTON, NY — Family Service League has named Kerri Smith as its new president and chief executive officer, with her tenure set to begin April 13.

Smith succeeds longtime leader Karen Boorshtein, who is retiring after guiding the organization through years of growth and expanded services across Long Island.

“Kerri brings extensive experience in human services along with strong leadership skills,” Boorshtein said. “Throughout the selection process, it became clear that her vision, values, and leadership style align closely with our mission and the future we have been building together.”

Smith brings more than two decades of experience across nonprofit leadership, public service and policy. A trained attorney and social worker, she holds a law degree from South Texas College of Law and is admitted to the New York Bar. She also earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Texas, where she received the Dean’s Award for the Promotion of Social Justice.

A longtime advocate for underserved communities, Smith has focused her career on expanding access to high-quality human services through data-driven management and organizational strategy.

“I am honored to step into this role at Family Service League at such a meaningful moment in its history,” Smith said. “FSL’s century-long commitment to caring for children, families, and communities deeply resonates with my own professional journey. I am eager to help guide the organization into its next chapter while staying rooted in the mission that has supported generations of families.”

Smith served as chief operating officer at Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York, where she oversaw programs and operations across Long Island and New York City and led key strategic initiatives.

Her experience also includes national-level work as a senior associate with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where she partnered with child welfare leaders to modernize safety policies and improve outcomes for children. Earlier in her career, she spent six years with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services as an associate commissioner, helping to develop systemwide performance monitoring and strategic planning efforts.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are thrilled to welcome Kerri Smith as the next president and chief executive officer of Family Service League,” said Laura Granelli-Gerde, chair of the board. “As we celebrate FSL’s 100th anniversary, her vision and commitment to strengthening communities will help guide FSL into its next chapter and continue our mission of supporting individuals and families across Long Island.”

Founded in 1926, Family Service League is a Long Island-based nonprofit that provides a wide range of social services to more than 60,000 people each year. The organization offers over 60 programs across 20 locations, including mental health counseling, addiction treatment, housing support, job training, trauma services, early childhood education, and services for families and seniors.

FSL employs more than 700 staff members and operates with an annual budget exceeding $70 million.