Alexander JFS announced that Linda Burger, who has led the 108-year-old agency as CEO since 2005, will retire effective June 1, 2022. Burger made the announcement, and shared her decision-making journey, on June 18 at a specially called Alexander JFS board meeting.

“I always prayed for the wisdom to know when I have made my mark and to know when it is time to go, and the time to transition has come,” said Burger. “I have immense confidence and pride in knowing that our incredible team – staff, officers, board, and community partners – has never been stronger.”

Philip Tenenbaum, Alexander JFS board president, said, “We are with Linda every step of the way and will certainly take the time during the next 12 months to celebrate her wonderful career and legacy. Working off the solid base and reputation established by her predecessors, Linda has assembled a team of solid, passionate professionals and led the growth and expansion of Alexander JFS to the agency it is today: a respected and valued member of the Jewish and social service community in Houston and nationally.”

Tenenbaum added that board member Carolyn Kaplan will chair the Transition Committee for Alexander JFS.

Linda Burger took the helm of Alexander JFS in 2005 as only the fourth CEO in its then-92-year history. Throughout her 16 years as CEO, Burger has significantly transformed and expanded the agency’s resources and its ability to respond to safety net basic needs, community emergencies and individuals. Notably, the Alexander JFS Alexander Institute for Inclusion, along with programs and services pertaining to suicide awareness and substance misuse, launched under her caring leadership and continue to exceed the expectations of both participants and the community.

Burger’s leadership acumen extends outside Alexander JFS. She is treasurer of RespectAbility; board member of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies; advisor for the Center for Future Planning Advisory Council of the National ARC; past chair of the Network of Behavioral Health Providers in Houston; and past board member of both the International Association of Jewish Vocational Service and Association of Jewish Family and Children’s Agencies.

An honoree of the Houston Business Journal’s 2020 Most Admired CEOs, 2001 recipient of the Hans Mayer Award for Communal Service, and recipient in 2015 of the Joan Alexander Chesed Award, Burger was also honored in 2016 by the National Council of Jewish Women with an NCJW “Woman of Influence” award.

When asked what motivates her to do the work she does, Burger says, “I view working for Jewish communal needs as both a privilege and a responsibility. A portion of what I earn does not belong to me but is an agreement with G-d to share my blessings with places and people in need.” Particularly proud of being a mentor for young women who aspire to be Jewish communal leaders, she is also profoundly proud of her family which, along with husband Andy, includes Allison and Michael Burger and their children Ellie and Emmet, and Lauri and Ryan Doyal and their son Asher.

Alexander JFS is a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and a beneficiary of United Way of Greater Houston.

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Media Contact

Rachel W. Davis

(713) 986-7806

rdavis@alexanderjfs.org