Jeffrey Padwa will be recognized with the Extraordinary Leadership Award by the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies on March 31 at its 2019 annual conference in Atlanta for his exceptional work toward addressing human service needs in Rhode Island.
This is a noteworthy achievement for Padwa, Rhode Island and the newly unified agency, Jewish Collaborative Services, a nonprofit social service agency providing services and programs to Rhode Islanders in need.
The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies is an international association of more than 140 nonprofit human service agencies in the United States, Canada and Israel. The network is a leading voice for the Jewish human services sector, and is the “go-to” resource for advocacy, best practices, innovation and research.
Padwa receives the award for a lifetime of service to the Rhode Island and Jewish communities that includes significant achievements that positively transformed organizational structures, delivery of services and outreach to the community. His vision and leadership is credited by many as the catalyst for this historic merger. “Jeffrey has brought passion and vision to our community through his numerous leadership roles. His skills and attention to personal relationships speaks volumes as he has guided our agencies with great integrity and character,” says James Galkin, a past president of Jewish Seniors Agency and board member of JCS.
According to Erin Minior, president and CEO of JCS, Padwa “was instrumental in orchestrating the combination of Jewish Senior Agency and Jewish Family Services, into one unified entity, Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS) despite several unsuccessful similar merger attempts over the past 25 years.” Padwa was unanimously elected to be the first chairman of the board of directors of JCS.
Padwa is a Rhode Island attorney and lobbyist in private practice.
Submitted by Dante Bellini Jr., RDW Group