Meredith Joy

Background

About Meredith Joy

I am a mission-driven nonprofit executive leader and social worker with 20+ years of experience in strategic planning, program development, and cross-sector collaboration. I specialize in building and scaling community-based services that address food insecurity, homelessness prevention, domestic violence support, civil legal access, and economic stability. As Director of the Center for Basic Needs Assistance at JF & CS, I led a portfolio of programs for low-income individuals and families, including a food pantry, SNAP enrollment services, civil legal aid, emergency financial assistance, and domestic abuse services. Under my leadership, the division expanded program reach, secured millions in public and private grants, and achieved measurable outcomes in reducing hunger, preventing evictions, and supporting long-term financial independence. I bring a trauma-informed, data-driven approach to leadership — combining strong operational management, budget oversight, and staff development with a deep commitment to treating clients with dignity. My work is grounded in measurable impact, continuous improvement, and authentic community partnerships. What motivates me is creating systems that treat people with dignity while delivering measurable results. I believe in pairing data-driven strategy with the human stories that remind us why this work matters. I’m now exploring opportunities to leverage my experience in executive leadership, strategic planning, and community-based program development to drive meaningful impact in new contexts. Let’s connect if you are looking for a leader who can deliver both strategic vision and operational excellence to create lasting change.