It was recently announced that Cynthia Figueroa, President & CEO of JEVS Human Services, has been appointed to serve on the Josh Shapiro-Austin Davis Transition Advisory Committee. 

Figueroa will work with fellow non-profit leaders and community advocates on the human services committee. 

“I am honored to join the teams of diverse, experienced leaders and experts across the Commonwealth to assist Governor-Elect Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Davis in moving our state forward,” said Figueroa in a statement. 

Founded more than 80 years ago, JEVS has helped people live independent and healthy lives, build skills, and find and keep good jobs.

“I’m excited to share both the JEVS experience, and from my previous work with city government. I will also draw from my experience as a nonprofit leader of community programs and domestic violence services,” Figueroa added. 

Figueroa began her tenure with JEVS in February 2022, after spending about two years as Deputy Mayor at the City’s Office of Children and Families. She provided leadership and oversight of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS), the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and several other key operating departments. 

She also co-led the Mayor’s special initiative to address institutional racism focused on police reform, community engagement, and an inclusive economy. 

While at the city, Figueroa also dedicated herself to lead efforts to right-size the child welfare and juvenile law systems with a focus on prevention and decreasing the number of children in the child welfare system. She also worked with the state to significantly reduce the number of children in residential placements. 

“Cynthia's life work has been to improve systems and lift up the communities she serves,” said David Sanders, executive vice president for systems improvement at Casey Family Programs,  the nation's largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care.

“Her strategic, thoughtful approach to problem-solving will be an asset to the Shapiro-Davis transition team,” Sanders added. 

Previous roles for Figueroa include Deputy Commissioner for DHS, President & CEO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos, and executive director of Women Against Abuse. 

In her current role as President & CEO of JEVS, Figueroa leads and directs one of the largest, multi-service nonprofit organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. 

Driven by the mission to, Make Hope Happen, JEVS strives to create meaningful change for tomorrow by working with stakeholders to shape and influence public policy to better serve the populations that need it most. 

The organization’s focus is on individuals with physical, developmental, and emotional challenges, as well as those facing adverse socio-economic conditions. 

Figueroa is one of 34 individuals appointed to serve on the Transition Advisory Committee for Human Services.