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June 25, 2004/Tamuz 6 5764, Vol. 56, No. 40
JFCS names new CEO
SARAH DELANEY
Editorial Intern
Jewish Family & Children's Service, one of the largest behavioral health and social service providers in Maricopa County, has named a new CEO and president.
Tom Updike will assume the role as head of the organization on June 30.
Updike previously was the deputy executive director for Colorado West Regional Mental Health, Inc., and also has been a governor's appointee in Delaware and Virginia.
"He has spent his career serving people like our clients," said Mike Pressendo, JFCS director of Fund Development and Community Relations.
For Updike, leading JFCS appears to be "a wonderful opportunity to work in some very exciting areas, particularly in developing very creative new ... practices for children and families (and) early childhood work. I'm very interested in expanding the domestic violence work, and particularly interested in the geriatric and how we can put together a consortium."
Updike has a doctorate in counseling from Michigan State University and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. He also has 15 years of experience as an adjunct professor, has published seven books in related fields and is a Fellow of the American College of Mental Health Administrators.
Edna Sitelman, JFCS board co-chairwoman and board leader for the search process, describes Updike as having "a combination of strength and sensitivity, which is a really rare combination."
With his extensive background in behavioral health, Updike will "bring (JFCS) tremendous leadership and knowledge of the managed care system," said Carol Seidberg, JFCS board co-chairwoman.
JFCS offers a wide range of services, from behavioral health counseling and parent training programs to prevention programs in schools and domestic violence care - addressing the numerous needs of the entire community and "serving everyone regardless of race, religion, age or socioeconomic status," said Seidberg.
Last year, the agency served nearly 20,000 clients from its seven locations throughout Maricopa County.
Dick Geasland has served as interim CEO at JFCS since Gail Parin left her position as CEO in June 2003.
The JFCS is a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
When Updike was asked what he was proudest of in his life, his response was, "Quite frankly, it boils down to one thing, and that is ... what do our families say? And when they can come to me and tell me something we've been able to do has made a difference in their lives, that's a measure of success. And that's what I most treasure."
Call JFCS at 602-256-0528 or visit www.jfcsaz.org.
Contact the writer at sarah_delaney@jewishaz.com.
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