Jennifer Phillips Named Chief Executive Officer Of Keshet

Press release from Keshet:

Sept. 2, 2020

Jennifer Phillips has been named Chief Executive Officer of Keshet, it was announced today by Christopher Rabin, Chair of Keshet’s Board of Directors. Phillips most recently served as Keshet’s Chief Program Officer where she oversaw operations and development of Keshet’s core service areas, including education, recreation, vocational and residential programs. She has been in the role of Acting CEO since April 2020.

Phillips began her career with Keshet in 1994 as a one-on-one summer camp counselor. This experience motivated her to become a special education teacher and she spent seven years teaching in the Deerfield Public Schools. In 2005, she returned to Keshet as a high school teacher, a position she held for 11 years before becoming Keshet’s Director of Recreation in 2005.

“We are fortunate to have someone with such a deep connection to Keshet now poised to lead the organization into the next chapter,” said Rabin. “Whether in the classroom or the boardroom, Jen believes in the power of inclusion and works tirelessly to ensure that people with disabilities have meaningful lives in our community.”

Phillips was responsible for a 340% growth in enrollment in Keshet’s camp and recreation programs in just two years. Under her direction, Keshet’s model of inclusive summer camps was recognized as an industry best practice. Phillips is regularly called upon by other camps and organizations for consultations and to provide trainings about inclusion.

Phillips’ decisive leadership since the start of the pandemic has enabled Keshet to continue to meet families’ needs during challenging times. She was instrumental in opening Keshet’s third residential home in Highland Park during the height of the COVID-19 crisis this past spring. She also recently guided the organization through its largest and most successful fundraising campaign, which surpassed its goal and raised more than $540,000 from local community supporters.

“Keshet is in the best hands with Jennifer Phillips as CEO,” said Gail Metrick, Board Member and Keshet Parent. “She is an innovative leader with an extraordinary track record of putting ideas into action for the benefit of families.”

Phillips received a B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education from National Lewis University. She is currently in the second year of the Masters in Jewish Professional Studies at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership.

Phillips lives in Highland Park with her husband, Scott, and two sons, all of whom are active volunteers and supporters of Keshet.

This press release was produced by Keshet. The views expressed here are the author's own.