Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) is thrilled to announce the promotion of Melanie Stoopler and Jill Hammel to Associate Executive Directors of our agency!
Over the past few months, Melanie and Jill, alongside Senior Director of Programs Meredith Siegel Cohen, have shown exceptional leadership during a time of transition. They have fostered relationships, enhanced board engagement, and actively listened to the needs of both the community and staff. Their unique skills have significantly contributed to the agency’s mission of strengthening our South Jersey community. As they transition into their new roles, both Melanie and Jill will have individual portfolios of responsibility that align with their strengths.
Melanie Stoopler is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. For the past decade, she has been an integral part of JFCS as Chief Financial Officer. Melanie began her career in public accounting with Deloitte & Touche’s audit practice in Philadelphia, where she specialized in investment company audits. Afterward, she joined CIGNA Corporation, completing its financial leadership program, which equipped her with diverse leadership expertise in operational planning, international finance, compliance, and project management.
In her new role at JFCS, Melanie is excited to merge her passion for finance with her commitment to the agency’s mission of supporting Jewish families and the broader community. Melanie holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, both with honors from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. She resides in Cherry Hill with her husband, Eric, their two sons, Ryan and Ethan, and their goldendoodle, Kacie.
Jill Hammel, MSEd, brought more than 20 years of experience in education, Jewish communal engagement, and nonprofit leadership to her role as Senior Director of Advancement at JFCS. Her previous positions—including Congregational Life Director and Special Needs Coordinator at Temple Beth Sholom, as well as teaching roles in the Cherry Hill Public School District—have equipped her with expertise in community engagement, fundraising, programming, and leadership development.
In her current role, Jill focuses on cultivating resources and support to sustain JFCS’s vital community services. She is dedicated to building relationships, sharing the JFCS story, and leading initiatives that engage the community in the agency’s mission through donations and volunteerism. Jill is honored to be part of the JFCS family and enjoys working closely with our dedicated staff and volunteers to advance the agency’s vision through strategic planning and connection.
Jill holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Delaware and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. She is certified in special education, elementary education, and educational leadership. Jill serves as the President-Elect at Temple Beth Sholom and is deeply connected to our community through her volunteer work. She lives in Voorhees with her husband, Geoff, their three daughters—Dara, Ava, and Zoe—and their puppies, Fred and Lou.
While we celebrate Melanie’s and Jill’s promotions, we also acknowledge the departure of Meredith Siegel Cohen at the end of September. Meredith’s contributions to JFCS have been immense, and her meaningful legacy will continue through all she has accomplished during her 13-year tenure at the agency.
Congratulations to Melanie and Jill as they embrace their new roles. We are truly excited for everything that lies ahead!
