Executive Staff

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Since joining Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) as its President & CEO in November 2018, Linda has applied her vision, passion, and experience leading JFS through program optimization, pursuing new service opportunities, and an over $6M 150th Anniversary campaign. During COVID-19, Linda guided JFS in quickly adapting and transforming its programs and services to best meet the changing needs of the community. She relocated to Denver from the Chicago area, where she served as CEO & Head of School at Solomon Schechter Day School for nine years and the school’s Executive Director for four and a half years prior to that. She has deep Colorado connections and owns a home in Steamboat.

Linda has been a leader of both nonprofit and for-profit organizations and business units in a variety of industries, ensuring mission fulfillment and sound financial viability. She currently serves on the Denver Nonprofit Engagement Commission and Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She has extensive organizational, operational, and management experience, and has successfully led capital campaigns, endowment growth, and donor cultivation and stewardship efforts. Linda earned a BA degree from Wellesley College and has participated in the Kellogg School of Management Center for Non-Profit Management at Northwestern University.

“I am truly honored and humbled to lead this incredible and impactful organization and to have the opportunity to work with our committed stakeholders. JFS’s mission and core values bring together so much of what is important to me, both personally and professionally. I feel fortunate to know and work with JFS’s incredible staff, Board, donors, volunteers, and partners in building and strengthening our impact.”

CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

Elizabeth (Liz) Schmidt, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, joined JFS as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) in August 2024. She has been a human resources practitioner for over 25 years, focusing on employee development and engagement, human resources strategy, inclusive leadership, and equitable employment practices. Liz has been certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) since 2012, as a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) since 2015, and in Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management since 2022. In 2022, she was awarded the Mission Implementation Award by SHRM for her organizational work in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in general psychology with a concentration in statistics and an interdisciplinary master’s degree in HR management and I-O psychology, she is currently working on her Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology, with a concentration in Organizational Leadership at Touro University Worldwide. Her dissertation is focused on diversity management, inclusive leadership, and organizational justice. In addition, she teaches a course at Colorado Technical University in their General Education and Psychology Department. She also continues to mentor future human resources professionals and industrial/organizational psychologists.

For two years, Liz served on the inaugural Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) committee for Alliance Colorado. She works to establish partnerships in the Denver community to bring educational and beneficial opportunities to the workforce. Her goals include equipping employees personally, in their own communities, and in the communities in which we work.

CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

720.248.4663 | jzeidman@jewishfamilyservice.org

Jessica Zeidman joined JFS as Chief Advancement Officer in June 2019. She relocated to the Denver from San Francisco, where she spent the last 10 years as an accomplished fundraiser for the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco and Stern Grove Festival. Jessica has a real passion for philanthropy and looks forward to connecting donors to the incredible programs and services at JFS.

Jessica has a diverse background in leading fundraising departments, board and event committees, and program staff in the successful execution of vibrant campaigns, compelling proposals, and engaging fundraising events. Jessica has worked with a variety of stakeholders, including major donors; corporate partners; private, family, and community foundations; and government agencies to build and increase financial resources for dynamic nonprofits.

Prior to her development experiences, Jessica worked for several high-profile California politicians in various capacities. She received her master’s degree in political science from San Francisco State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Public Administration from California State University Chico. A Los Angeles native, she is thrilled to explore Colorado with her husband and son.

“My first year at JFS was filled with so many unique challenges, opportunities, and experiences to raise vital resources to support the incredible programs at JFS and our COVID-19 Relief Fund. I have been overwhelmed by the community’s generous response to the evolving and increasing demands for service during this pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis it has created. I look forward to meeting more of our amazing donors to raise funds to support our programs and services to serve the most vulnerable in our community.”

DIRECTOR OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT

Troy joined JFS in August of 2022 to create, build, and oversee the Yana Vishnitsky Resettlement Program as JFS launched as an official refugee resettlement site in October of 2022. Prior to joining JFS Troy has led programming for refugees, emergency responses, and displaced peoples across the globe. Troy lived and worked in Eastern Africa for 6 years managing multiple development projects in refugee camps and assisting internally displaced peoples; focusing mainly on food security, water, agriculture, and education programming. After that time Troy returned to Denver, where he immediately started working with refugees on this side of the ocean. Troy brings with him 10 years of experience working with refugees throughout the Denver metro area, beginning as a case manager, wearing many hats, and moving through the ranks to eventually leading programs.

A passion for serving others has guided all of Troy’s pursuits. In his free time you will find Troy outdoors enjoying everything that Colorado has to offer!

DIRECTOR OF JFS ALTIUS FARMS

Sally founded Altius Farms in 2018 and will continue to lead this program as the Director of JFS Altius Farms. Sally has a demonstrated track record of leadership balancing technology development, customer service, and marketing within United States and international markets. She has successfully formulated strategies for business growth and cost reduction while serving the needs of a global, varied retail and manufacturing customer base. Sally held COO and senior leadership roles with the Worldwide Retail Exchange, IBM, and MCI WorldCom. Sally served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for over 13 years, including during the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Gulf War operations.

Sally is passionate about shifting the local food scene in Colorado through community education and delivery of high quality, non-GMO, pesticide-free leafy greens, and herbs. Providing job training and employment for our nation’s veterans is a key part of Sally’s envisioned legacy. Sally is a Board Member for the not-for-profit Veterans to Farmers and is a Denver Southeast Evenings Rotary Club member.

Sally has two grown daughters, and she enjoys cycling and hiking.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

720.248.4629 | jherren@jewishfamilyservice.org

Jenny joined JFS in December 2019 as the Director of Marketing and Communications. In her role Jenny oversees a team that creates and implements communications designed to increase awareness of and support for JFS programs and services.

Jenny has more than 15 years of experience in traditional and new media marketing, strategic planning, campaign management, branding, and creative oversight. She previously worked for the Dumb Friends League, where she served as the Director of Marketing and Communications. She enjoys spending time with her family and exploring Colorado.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR STABILITY

Elizabeth is the Director of Community Resources for Stability. As Director, she oversees a skilled team that works to bolster food and housing security for individuals and families in need by providing food, limited emergency financial assistance, care management, and information and referrals for essential services.

Elizabeth joined the agency in September 2022. Prior to joining JFS, Elizabeth served in roles internationally and in the Denver community, her work has focused on human rights, democracy, and homelessness prevention. Elizabeth’s professional career has taken her from working in Denver to disrupt the cycle of poverty and homelessness at Warren Village and across the globe where she most recently managed democracy and rule of law programs across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Elizabeth holds a master’s degree in Public and Social Policy from Charles University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science form Metropolitan State University in Denver.

Elizabeth lives in Denver with her husband, three dogs, and five chickens.

DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Tim joined JFS as the IT Manager in June 2022. He has worked in the IT field for over 30 years, including recently as an IT Director for Sheridan School District.

Tim is a highly accomplished IT Director who expertly drives high-volume, state-of-the-art IT infrastructure, systems, projects, and operational initiatives through to successful completion, and who makes sound decisions to align with a company’s vision, value, and goals. He is a hands-On self-starter who develops targeted technology roadmaps, mitigates key risk, and establishes detailed incident response processes. He has constantly shown that he is an innovative leader who continually gains buy-in among team members to promote unified IT objectives and enhanced productivity and accountability for all corporate-specific programs and technologies. Influential he also sees the “big picture” at all times while thriving in rapidly evolving scenarios to exceed expectations and actively coach multidisciplinary IT professionals to lead by example and with ethics and integrity – always willing to “go the extra mile” to surpass the status quo.

DIRECTOR OF JFS BOULDER

As Director, Melissa develops new and relevant programming to meet community needs in Boulder County. She also helps to oversee current, ongoing programs and services. Melissa began her work at JFS in 2012 as an intern in the Disability Services department to complete her bachelor's degree in social work from Metropolitan State University. She continued her journey, taking on different roles within the department with her last position as the QA/worksite program manager. In April 2022, Melissa transitioned to be the Boulder programs manager then in March 2023 stepped into the role of JFS Boulder Associate Director and in July 2024 transitioned to Director.

DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Todd Merendino joined the agency in May of 2022 as the Director of Mental Health Services. Before joining JFS, he worked for the Colorado Department of Human Services-Office of Behavioral Health for over ten years. He held several positions within the department, the last being the Director of Quality Assurance and Standards. Most recently, he was the Division Director of Acute Services for the Aurora Mental Health Center where he was responsible for the oversight and leadership of Crisis Services, Detox/Substance Use Disorder treatment, and Forensic Services teams.

Todd has a master’s in social work from the University of Denver and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years. He is passionate about community mental health and delivering caring, compassionate, and high-quality behavioral health services.

DIRECTOR OF DISABILITY SERVICES

Roxane is the Director of Disability Services. Prior to beginning this position in July 2020, she served as senior operations manager at SHALOM Denver for five years. In her current leadership role, Roxane provides vision, strategic planning, and oversight of the various programs serving persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities throughout the Denver metro area.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and brings more than 40 years of experience working to improve the lives of children and adults with special needs and abilities. Roxane’s advocacy and commitment originate from a lifelong experience with her older brother who was diagnosed at the age of three with Autism and IDD. At a time when members of this population were traditionally institutionalized, Roxane’s parents resisted this trend, opting to immerse their son in newly created integrated community programs. Hence began Roxane’s entry into this field.

Roxane, her husband Tom, and daughter Taylor lived in Steamboat Springs for 18 years where she was the adult director of Horizons Specialized Services, a Northwest Colorado Community Center Board. During her time in Steamboat she served on many boards and committees, including Routt County United Way, Colorado Mental Health Board of Directors, and the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association. She is currently a member of Alliance Colorado and served on its Executive Committee, Government Relations Committee, Membership Committee, and Employment Committee.

Roxane’s passion has been, and always will be, to advocate for opportunities and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.

DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES

Renee joined JFS in July 2022 as the Director of Volunteer Services. In her role Renee is responsible for the strategic direction and growth of the volunteer program. Renee looks forward to connection, collaboration, and an expanded vision for volunteers.

With over 20 years of experience in leadership of small nonprofits, Renee understands the tremendous value that volunteers contribute to the community. Additionally, Renee has a heart for engaging young people in volunteering, as that is how the seed was planted in her journey of nonprofit work through volunteering with her mom early on in life.

Outside of work, you can find her hanging out with her four adult kids, enjoying the outdoors, reading, traveling, or trying a new recipe.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Rachel Pryor-Lease joined JFS in October 2023 as the Director of Development. She brings almost two decades of experience in non-profit fundraising to the role, where she will engage with the organization’s supporters and grow the funds that sustain our amazing services.

Prior to JFS, Rachel served as the Director of Development for the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and the Director of Philanthropy for the ACLU of Colorado, where she worked for 10 years, helping to oversee massive growth in the organization during critical political times.

She returned to her home state of Colorado in 2011 after living on both the East and West coasts. In addition to work in the non-profit field, she also received training in Pastry Arts at the Institute for Culinary Education in New York City, where she worked in some of the city’s best renowned restaurants and bakeries.

Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She and her wife, Leah, live in Denver with their twins, 2 dogs, and 2 fish.

DIRECTOR OF AGING CARE AND CONNECTIONS

Rachel joined JFS in January 2024, as the director of the Jay and Rose Phillips Aging Care & Connections department. In her role, she oversees a compassionate team of individuals who provide care management, counseling, homemaker services, Holocaust survivor support, pantry box delivery, Kosher meal delivery, and social lunches in the community.

Prior to joining JFS, Rachel worked in nonprofit management in the areas of program, advocacy, and development in Buffalo, NY and across Colorado. This mission-driven work included support for caregivers of those living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, education for healthcare professionals, advocacy with elected officials, and collaborative volunteer and community engagement to help older adults living in the community.

Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from The Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree in social work from the University at Buffalo, where she was a Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education scholar.

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS

Kate is the Director of Special Events and joined JFS in October 2017. In her role Kate provides strategic direction, outreach, and planning for all events at JFS. Kate has a long commitment to events and the nonprofit sector. Prior to JFS, Kate was Director of Events at Morris Animal Foundation where she oversaw all Foundation-driven events and volunteer-driven peer to peer fundraising events.

Kate is a Colorado native and enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 kids, traveling, and riding her bike.

DIRECTOR OF GRANT ACCOUNTING

Peggy is the Director of Grant Accounting and has been a part of the JFS Accounting team since June 2002. She has held multiple positions, including Senior Accountant, Controller, Finance Manager, and most recently, Associate Director of Grant Accounting. From 2015 to 2017, Peggy worked for JFS on an as-needed basis, helping with special projects until she rejoined the agency full-time in April 2017. Before JFS, she worked for over 20 years in nonprofit accounting in Indiana, including serving ten years as Finance Director for one of the Indiana Area Agencies on Aging.

Peggy received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1989 from Ball State University in Muncie, IN.

Peggy enjoys spending time with her three adult children, two grandchildren, and fur babies and loves living in beautiful Buena Vista, CO.

DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Leah joined JFS in February of 2018. She began her time at JFS as a Job Developer in the Disability Services department before moving on to manage the Individual Supported Employment services. Prior to her current position as Director of Employment Services, Leah served as Business & Workforce Development Manager and focused on expanding the employment services offered to jobs seekers with disabilities, as well as growing and nourishing JFS’ employer partnerships.

Leah is an alum of the first Colorado based Emerging Leaders cohort through the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE). She is an active member of the Employment First Leaders Community of Practice. Additionally, Leah serves on JFS’ DEI Advisory Board. Leah is passionate about advocating for a more equitable and inclusive workforce and society.

Leah earned a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies from the University of Minnesota and her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Organizations from the University of Colorado Denver.