JSSA Board President Earns Lay Leadership Award

JSSA’s Board President, Ruth Ruskin, was awarded the 2024 PowerNET Lay Leadership Award. This award is presented by the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA) to lay leaders who’ve shown exemplary commitment to service in the field of health and human services.

“It’s been my distinct privilege to serve as JSSA’s Board President as we’ve expanded in recent years, serving more people in need in our communities,” Ruth said. “This award is a testament to the great work of my colleagues and partners on JSSA’s leadership team and the Board of Directors.”

Ruth has served as JSSA’s Board President since June 2021. She has overseen continued growth of JSSA’s programs and services, particularly in mental health. She actively promotes financial support of JSSA – a nonprofit that routinely meets ethical requirements of a trusted organization under the 4-Star Charity Navigator.

Additionally, Ruth has been instrumental in implementing JSSA’s latest strategic priorities: serving more diverse needs, expanding agency impact, and the alignment of resources to meet client needs through a holistic approach to care. In partnership with JSSA CEO, Todd Schenk, Ruth identifies goals and milestones and guides budgetary decisions for JSSA.

As president, Ruth works hard to recruit board members that are representative of the diverse clientele JSSA supports and she is one of JSSA’s most committed community ambassadors.

“Ruth has been quite the impactful leader,” Schenk said. “Her commitment to supporting our programs and services embodies JSSA’s goal of serving individuals in need at every age and stage of life.”

Ruskin was recognized during the NJHSA Annual Conference, PowerNET 2024: Amplifying Our Impact Together, held from May 5 to May 8 in Pittsburgh. The conference brought together over 540 participants from across the globe, for an opportunity to network, strategize, and elevate the vital work of Jewish human service agencies.

“With a mission to serve their community with innovative solutions to worldwide issues happening in their backyard, Ruth has demonstrated her ability to foster high-impact solutions, new practices, and dynamic opportunities for her community,” said The Network’s CEO Reuben Rotman.

Ruth is a licensed social worker and board-certified clinical hypnotherapist with more than 35 years of clinical experience. She currently works at Roundhouse Square Counseling Center in Northern Virginia and serves as president of the RZ Foundation.

As a longtime resident and community leader in Northern Virginia, Ruth is a strong advocate for expanding JSSA’s footprint in the region. She proudly serves on the JSSA Board of Directors because she’s committed to devoting resources to the betterment of other people’s lives.

Ruth was recognized during the NJHSA Annual Conference, PowerNET 2024: Amplifying Our Impact Together, held from May 5 to May 8 in Pittsburgh. More than 540 professionals working across the globe attended this year’s conference to network, strategize, and elevate the work of Jewish human service agencies. JSSA is a member organization of the NJHSA.