JFS Appoints New CEO

The JFS board of directors announces the selection of Ruth Hampton Olkon as Chief Executive Officer effective September 3. Ruth previously held the position of Manager of Community Health Improvement at Allina Health.

Ruth is a strong, team-focused leader with a deep passion for creating change and enriching communities. She has a proven track record in creating, growing and evaluating social service programming by leveraging strong fiscal management and enthusiastic leadership. Most recently, as the manager of Community Health Improvement at Allina Health, Ruth has expanded services to help drive better health outcomes in under-served communities by engaging up to 6,000 individuals annually and increasing key health indicators of social connectedness and health literacy. The JFS board of directors expects Ruth to bring that same passion back to JFS where she was formerly the assistant director of the agency.

“Agencies such as JFS that provide services with a strength-based approach and through collaboration with other organizations are leaders in how to best support individuals and families,” said Ruth. “It is an honor to rejoin JFS to build on its strong foundation and support the next phase of service to the community.”

“With more than 20 years of experience creating and building key social service initiatives, Ruth has the passion, knowledge and leadership to help JFS continue to fulfill its mission to help individuals and families obtain the skills and resources they need to meet life’s challenges with dignity,” said Tom Frishberg, president of the JFS board of directors. “Ruth’s mission-driven approach and proven track record will provide us with the leadership to solidify JFS’s role as a vital institution of the greater St. Paul community. We are excited to have a leader of her professional caliber and big heart at the helm of JFS.”