Introducing Jackie Jenks

The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC) is delighted to announce that Jackie Jenks has accepted the position of Executive Director and will begin work on April 10, 2017. Raleigh search firm moss+ross led the nationwide search for IFC’s Executive Director and Jackie was chosen from a pool of 72 candidates. Keith Taylor, IFC Board President says, “IFC was very fortunate to have such a strong field of candidates. That made for a difficult decision, but was a great problem to have. We are looking forward to having Jackie lead us as we move forward. She brings with her an abundance of knowledge and experience as well as tremendous passion. We thank John Dorward for coming back and Kristin Lavergne for stepping up in the roles of co-interim Executive Directors during this search. We are extremely grateful for their dedication.”

Jackie is currently the Executive Director of San Francisco based Hospitality House. She began working for them in 1995 as a job developer, became Shelter Program Director in 1997 and was promoted to Executive Director in 2001. Hospitality House is a “mid-size community organization that offers peer-based programs for neighborhood residents, including behavioral health oriented drop-in centers, employment services, shelter, a community arts program and a community organizing and leadership development program.” Hospitality House has a staff of 55, most of whom are graduates from their programs.

Jackie has a Masters in Social Work degree and several leadership certifications. She began her career as a Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) volunteer at the Alameda County Community Food Bank and is an active and successful coalition builder in the greater San Francisco area.

Jackie’s acceptance of IFC’s Executive Director position provides her the opportunity to relocate closer to her family in Durham, something she had hoped to do.

"I'm very excited to join the IFC, an organization so beloved by those it serves and the larger Chapel Hill-Carrboro community. I'm eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work alongside the guests, staff, volunteers, and board members to write the next chapter of the IFC story," Jackie said.

IFC’s Board, staff and volunteers strongly believe that the experiences and strengths Jackie brings to IFC will be a valuable addition to our community and IFC’s ability to serve those most in need.