Karen Boorshtein President & CEO of Family Service League Announces Retirement

Family Service League (FSL), a leading Long Island-based non-profit human service organization, is announcing the retirement of President & CEO Karen Boorshtein effective March 31, 2026. In the meantime, she will remain as president & CEO while a search is conducted for her replacement. She has been with FSL for over 30 years and has held the position of President & CEO for over 15 years. During Karen’s tenure, the agency has grown exponentially, serving over 60,000 of Long Island’s most vulnerable residents and navigating some of the most challenging times, such as the September 11, 2001 attacks, Superstorm Sandy, and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a rebranding and mission refresh. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering and expanding a relationship with Northwell Health, helping to establish a clinic serving clients and the public at the FSL Campus, which was founded in 2006 in Bay Shore.

Since 2009, the organization has experienced significant growth and transformation under Karen’s visionary leadership. Launching innovative programs in mental health, housing, addiction recovery, housing, senior support and family support services, FSL has set a new standard in the region. In consort with key FSL staff, she also championed the establishment of the first crisis care center in the region, DASH (Diagnostic and Stabilization Hub), which serves those in the community facing an addiction or mental health crisis.

Karen has created an environment for the staff that has been acknowledged as a top workplace nationally verified by an independent survey. Her steady leadership, vision, open-door policy, and work ethic have been instrumental in ensuring that FSL is the preeminent human service organization on Long Island. Some of the many accolade’s staff say about her are her dedication, strong work ethic, and warm style of leadership.

“I have been incredibly honored to serve as CEO of Family Service League,” said Karen. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented and committed team and to partner with community leaders and stakeholders who believe in the power of support, dignity, and opportunity for all.”

Karen has received numerous recognitions as CEO, a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication. These include LIBN Top 50 Women in Business, LIBN Hall of Fame, LIBN Executive Circle, LIBN Achievement in Healthcare Award, Schneps Media Honoring Healthcare Heroes, Long Island Press Power Women, Energia alumni, Craine’s Empire Whole Health Heroes Award, and being featured in Forbes. Under her leadership, FSL has also earned several prestigious awards, including the LIBN Business Achievement Award, the HIA Business Achievement Award, multi-year accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA), and the Long Island Imagine Award.

“For over 30 years, Karen has passionately served the most vulnerable on Long Island. Her tireless efforts have transformed countless lives and strengthened our communities,” said Laura Granelli Gerde, FSL’s Board Chair. “Family Service League is so grateful to have been the recipient of her gifted leadership, and we wish her every happiness in her retirement.”

Family Service League (FSL), established in 1926, is a Long Island non-profit human service organization providing a safety net for people in need. FSL touches the lives of 50,000 people annually, addressing some of the most prevalent and pressing human needs facing Long Island communities. FSL delivers tangible help and crisis intervention across a spectrum of service areas including mental health counseling, addiction prevention & treatment, housing, job training, trauma counseling, early education, and family & senior support services. In all, FSL offers 60+ programs at 20 locations throughout Long Island. FSL employs 700+ people and has an annual operating budget of more than $70 million per year. To learn more about FSL visit www.fsl-li.org and follow us on social media!

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FSL Press Contact: Tricia O’Hare
FSL Director of Development & Communications
631-205-8944
tohare@fsl-li.org