NVFS Names Stephanie Berkowitz New Chief Executive

The board of directors of Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) has announced that Stephanie Berkowitz has been promoted to president and chief executive officer. Berkowitz, who now serves as senior vice president of programs at NVFS, brings more than 20 years of nonprofit sector experience to the position, including 15 years in leadership positions. She will assume her new position on July 1, 2015.

“Stephanie brings a unique combination of insight, innovation and passion for NVFS’ work,” Board Chair Misti Mukherjee said in making the announcement. “Her wealth of experience and demonstrated leadership of serving those in need will empower NVFS to promote community cooperation while continuing its legacy of empowering individuals and families to improve their quality of life.”

“We selected Stephanie after a comprehensive and richly informative national search,” Search Committee Chair and Board Member Joe Fay said. “We have been introduced to great ideas and great leaders through this process, and the learning that resulted will pay many dividends going forward. Our final choice was not just for a candidate, but also for a shared vision for the future of NVFS.”

Berkowitz holds a B.A. in psychology from Lafayette College and a master’s of social work from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice. She has served on numerous community coalitions focused on improving opportunities for children and families in Northern Virginia, and currently serves on the board of directors for HomeAid Northern Virginia and the Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board.

“I am honored to have been selected to lead Northern Virginia Family Service into the future,” says Berkowitz. “As we look forward, NVFS will continue to innovate, lead and collaborate across all sectors to bring opportunity and social change to families and individuals in need throughout Northern Virginia.”

Berkowitz will succeed Mary Agee, who joined the staff of NVFS in 1972 and has led the agency for the past 28 years. Agee will step down as president and CEO in June.

Founded in 1924, Northern Virginia Family Service is the largest private, nonprofit human service organization in Northern Virginia. NVFS helps nearly 34,000 individuals and their families each year find housing and emergency services; health and mental health services; anti-hunger programs; early childhood education and child placement services; intervention and prevention programs; job training; and legal services. Throughout its history, NVFS has been recognized as an innovator of efficient and comprehensive service methods, while effectively creating sustained financial and social independence for its clients.