FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2022

Media Contact:
Sarah Garfinkel, West End Strategy Team
sgarfinkel@westendstrategy.com, 202-765-4290

WASHINGTON – National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today announced the hire of Janelle Jenkins as the organization’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Jenkins brings over two decades of strategic management experience to the position, and will oversee both day-to-day internal operations and a variety of key growth initiatives. Her responsibilities will revolve around the areas of talent, finance, operations, technology, and culture.

Jenkins has spent her career developing leaders and empowering staff in both the private and public sectors, using her talents to improve the lives of marginalized groups. She most recently served as President of Operations for the St. Louis region of the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP), a network of schools focused on closing the achievement gap in low-income communities.

“What excites me most about working with National Council of Jewish Women is that this is an organization that really is doing the work to become more inclusive, diverse and equitable; and doing the work to create that reality for others,” said Jenkins. “I couldn’t be more excited to bring my depth of experience to this mission-driven organization with a reputation for creating change for the people who need it most.”

In her new role, Jenkins is tasked with the cultivation and promotion of NCJW’s culture of collaboration, transparency, accountability, and empowerment. Jenkins will also spearhead NCJW’s rapid growth efforts, ensuring and measuring the success of ongoing change management plans.

“Janelle’s extensive record as a strategic, visionary leader with over 20 years of experience building and optimizing systems, developing leaders, and empowering staff makes her an exceptional fit for NCJW,” said Sheila Katz, NCJW CEO. “She uses her skills to improve her community with a specific focus on bettering the lives of people of color, women, and children. We are very excited to welcome Janelle at a time when our focus on justice and equity are more needed than ever.”

Jenkins earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, later going on to the University of Chicago to earn her Masters in Business Administration. She has also earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from The Broad Residency Center for School System Management. She is a proud aunt of six and will relocate to DC to begin her work at NCJW this spring.

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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 200,000 volunteers and advocates working to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families. Through education, direct service, and advocacy, advocates across the country create lasting social change. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.