In the world of leadership, some individuals stand out not only for their accomplishments but for the genuine care and passion they bring to their roles. Joel Fink, now the President of JCS (Jewish Community Services), embodies this remarkable combination of leadership, humility, and community dedication.

Joel’s leadership journey began as a 25-year-old, when he was invited to join The Associated’s Young Leadership Council (YLC) and was matched with the board of Jewish Community Services, a newly established agency. The board consisted of 25 members, all of whom had previously served on the boards of the original 4 agencies that formed JCS. His early engagement with YLC during a challenging period—the 2008 recession—helped him raise funds for those affected by financial instability. Through his work at JCS, he established meaningful community relationships that laid the foundation for his leadership endeavors.

One pivotal experience that shaped Joel’s leadership development was his involvement with Strictly Business. Collaborating with 350 professionals, he worked to communicate the impact of JCS on businesses and communities. Looking back, he recognizes this as a formative experience that refined his leadership skills. These endeavors, combined with other impactful projects, eventually led to his appointment as the president of JCS.

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