Pictured (left to right) are: Margo Orlin, JFCS Board President; Melanie Stoopler, JFCS Associate Executive Director; Ann Miller; Cori Cherkas, JFCS President-Elect; Jill Hammel, JFCS Associate Executive Director.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) is proud to congratulate Ann Miller, recipient of The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies’ Lay Leadership Award of Excellence. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding volunteer leaders across North America who inspire change, foster collaboration, and amplify the impact of the human service sector. “Ann exemplifies each of these qualities, and we are thrilled to join The Network in celebrating a leader who has given so much of herself to our agency and our community,” shared JFCS Associate Executive Directors Jill Hammel and Melanie Stoopler.
Since joining the JFCS Board of Directors in 2006, Ann has modeled what true servant leadership looks like. Drawing on a lifelong commitment to advocacy shaped by a distinguished career leading the speech therapy department at the Bancroft School, she brings both expertise and heart to her work. As Board President from 2014 to 2016, Ann guided JFCS through meaningful growth while remaining deeply grounded in its mission and values. Respected for her financial acumen and thoughtful, steady leadership, Ann has played a critical role in ensuring that the agency’s resources are managed with integrity and vision. Her leadership style—equal parts confident and humble—creates space for others to contribute, grow, and lead alongside her.
What truly sets Ann apart is her unwavering belief in staying connected to the people JFCS serves. A committed volunteer since 2013, she spends time visiting older adults, supporting Holocaust Survivor programs, volunteering at community events, and delivering holiday meals to clients. Alongside her husband, Bernie, Ann has not only supported JFCS philanthropically but has inspired others to give through creative and meaningful community engagement. Ann is also a dedicated mentor and team builder, helping to cultivate the next generation of leaders while strengthening the fabric of this community.
Rooted in a deep commitment to tikkun olam—healing the world—Ann’s leadership reflects the very best of both JFCS and The Network, bringing compassion, strategy, and community together. She reminds us that true leadership isn’t just about guiding an organization—it’s about showing up, lifting others, and making a lasting difference in people’s lives.
