SAN DIEGO (June 25, 2024) – The Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) Board of Directors announced today that current CEO Michael Hopkins, who

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Jewish Family Service, I am writing to share the bittersweet news that after 13 years at the helm of JFS, Michael Hopkins will be retiring a year from now, on June 30, 2025. Over the last several months, the Board has been fully engaged and working diligently to design a seamless transition, while we prepare to announce the Board’s selection of our next CEO at the end of this month.

JFS recognizes the anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and applauds President Biden’s executive order as a significant step to help keep families together and provide stability for many immigrant families who contribute to our local community.

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) has named Tanya Hackel the organization’s new chief advancement officer. In her new role, Hackel works closely with JFS’s development, marketing, and volunteer engagement departments to enhance relationships with supporters, stakeholders, and the community in support of JFS’ vision and mission. In addition, she will provide fundraising leadership, strategy, and support to JFS’ CEO and board of directors and work closely with JFS’s COO to align institutional giving and individual giving with program needs.

The Jewish Family Service (JFS) annual Heart and Soul Gala took place May 18 at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was a guest speaker at the event and RSF residents David and Sharon Wax were among the honorees at the gala. Funds raised at the event help support JFS which provides compassionate care and supportive services.

On June 20, Take on Alzheimer’s, part of the California Department of Public Health, organized an event in San Diego County. This event gathered county officials, research organizations, and caregiver advocates. Jewish Family Service (JFS), which offers programs for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), was one of the participants. JFS is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of older adults. Learn more at www.jfssd.org/olderadults.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Jewish Family Service, I am writing to share the bittersweet news that after 13 years at the helm of JFS, Michael Hopkins will be retiring a year from now, on June 30, 2025. Over the last several months, the Board has been fully engaged and working diligently to design a seamless transition, while we prepare to announce the Board’s selection of our next CEO at the end of this month.

While thousands of people seeking asylum in the U.S. wait in shelters in Mexico, hundreds who have already been granted the opportunity to begin that process through the CBP One app have found a safe landing place at the San Diego Rapid Response Network migrant shelter operated by Jewish Family Service of San Diego. Read the story of one family who escaped political persecution and found safety at the SDRRN migrant shelter.