Jewish Family Services President and CEO Don Goldman has been chosen as Nonprofit Catalyst of the year by Nonprofit Connect.
The Nonprofit Connect Awards Celebration honors individuals and organizations for their outstanding commitment to positive impact in Kansas City.
Goldman will be honored at the 39th Annual Nonprofit Connect Award Celebration on Thursday, June 1, at 10:30 a.m. at the Muehlebach Tower at the Kansas City Marriott Hotel. Including Goldman, Nonprofit Connect will present a total of nine awards to six organizations and two additional individuals.
JFS nominated Goldman for the award, noting his 16 years of service turning the agency into a powerhouse and leading the way in providing programs to assist people in need throughout Kansas City.
Goldman has guided JFS through rapid changes in programming and client needs while also deftly maneuvering a pandemic that hit JFS older adults and lower income clients particularly hard.
“Don is unwavering in his vision to bring essential services and mental health support to anyone who needs them - regardless of race, age, culture, religion, or identity - and embodies the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam: repairing the world, one person, one family at a time,” the nomination stated.
Several letters of recommendation were submitted on Goldman’s behalf including from JFS Chief Program Officer Maggie Haghirian.
“When I think of Don Goldman these words come to mind - kind, open, respectful, and such a provider for our community. He is also so humble as he serves as the ‘glue’ that keeps things moving at the agency,” Haghirian said in her nomination. “He brings teams and people together in this community that may not have met otherwise, and it is beautiful to observe. Don is approachable as the head of our agency; no matter his title he is always willing to meet with any staff person to talk about ideas, suggestions, or any conversation at all.”
Earlier this year, Goldman announced his intention to retire in 2023. A search is currently underway, but Goldman will remain at JFS until a new CEO is named and he will assist with the organization’s leadership transition.
In the meantime, Goldman continues leading JFS, which is marking its 120th anniversary of serving people throughout the Greater Kansas City area.
The public is invited to attend Nonprofit Connect’s Celebration event. Tickets are available at npconnect.org/2023-awards-celebration/.
Nonprofit Connect is a membership organization and a source for nonprofit professionals, volunteers, students, funders and businesses seeking opportunities to network, learn and grow. Nonprofit Connect links the nonprofit community to education, resources and networking so organizations can more effectively achieve their missions.