Jewish Family Services (JFS) has appointed Awais Sufi as its interim executive director and CEO.
With a career spanning 25 years in nonprofit leadership, JFS chose Sufi based on his experience and expertise in the areas of strategy design, business planning, operations and program management.
Prior to joining JFS, Sufi was the founder and CEO of SchoolSmartKC, an over-$100-million collaborative fund initiated by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation and the Hall Family to eliminate the achievement gap for students in the Kansas City Public Education System.
Sufi’s background also includes global contributions to education and workforce development through the International Youth Foundation and Education for Employment.
"We are thrilled to welcome Awais to lead JFS during this pivotal time," said Jeff Stolper, president of JFS’ board of directors. "His expansive leadership experience, combined with his entrepreneurial mindset, will undoubtedly strengthen JFS as we search for a long-term CEO."
Sufi assumed the role of interim CEO on July 24, following the previously announced departure of CEO and Executive Director Kelly Davydov.
"I am honored to join JFS and am eager to work alongside their dedicated staff and partners," Sufi said. "Together, we will build upon the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and position JFS for continued success and impact."
JFS will conduct a national search to identify a new long-term executive director and CEO, with the goal of making an appointment early next year.
