Jeffrey K. Savit is an accomplished nonprofit executive with over 40 years of professional experience, including extensive leadership roles in Jewish community organizations. For the past five years, Jeffrey served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston (“JBBBS”), where he oversaw operations for an agency serving over 900 families and 400 mentoring relationships across 90 counties in Eastern Massachusetts. In this role, he managed a $2.5 million operating budget and an $8 million endowment, while driving fundraising efforts that generated $2 million annually. Under his leadership, JBBBS  achieved a 20% growth in annual revenues, and he implemented comprehensive board governance improvements. Jeffrey also directly supervised key directors across various programs, including Children’s Mentoring, Adults with Disabilities, and College Mentoring and Scholarships.  Currently, Jeffrey is serving in a senior development advisory capacity for JBBBS. 

Prior to JBBBS, Jeffrey held the position of Chief Development Officer at Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools from 2017 to 2019, where he was responsible for the strategic management of a $7 million philanthropic campaign and oversaw all foundation grantors and individual donors. As a member of Prizmah’s leadership team, he played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s fundraising strategy and deepening relationships with its key stakeholders.

From 2011 to 2017, Jeffrey served as the initial President and CEO of the Jewish Alliance (Federation) of Greater Rhode Island, where he managed a $6 million operating budget and a $53 million endowment. He spearheaded several major fundraising initiatives, including a $7.2 million capital renovation of the Dwares Jewish Community Center and a $1.5 million Rhode Island Jewish Community Poverty Initiative. His achievements also include leading a $400,000 campaign to build the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial. In this role, he oversaw 100 employees and managed a board of 30 fiduciaries.

Jeffrey began his professional career as an attorney, serving as a Probate and Corporate Associate at Gaston & Snow, and then a partner at Alpert & Savit, focusing on estate and probate law.  He next served as the Director of Social Work and Jewish Community Liaison at Center Communities of Brookline, MA, a branch of Hebrew Senior Life, where he provided geriatric social work services and developed Jewish cultural and educational programming. 

Jeffrey holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from Boston College Law School, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston College School of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in American History from Harvard University. He is also a graduate of Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. His expertise includes relationship and consensus building, fundraising, board governance, and strategic planning. Throughout his career, Jeffrey has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities through mission-based work.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jeffrey has held several fiduciary leadership roles, including Trustee of the Providence, RI Miriam Hospital Foundation’s Board, and Chairman of the Agency Board and Endowment Board for Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston, and as Chairman of the Board of the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston.  His passion for community service and his dedication to fostering positive change has made him a respected leader in the nonprofit sector and across the national Big Brothers Big Sisters network.

Jeffrey’s personal interests include reading, particularly in the realms of historical fictions and biographies, all Boston professional sports teams, musical theater and travel. As he steps down from his final executive role, he is eager to share his vast knowledge and leadership skills with organizations through board service, where he believes his professional and lay skills sets and experience and insight can provide significant value.

Character:

Jeffrey Savit exemplifies integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving others. He has been honored by four different non profits for his significant accomplishments across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  His leadership is defined by a strong moral compass and dedication to fostering meaningful, positive change in the communities he supports.

Knowledge:

With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, law, and social work, Jeffrey has an extensive background in fundraising, board governance, and organizational strategy. His expertise in guiding mission-driven organizations and his academic credentials from institutions like Phillips Academy, Harvard and Boston College, reflect a broad and deep understanding of complex issues.

Strategic:

Jeffrey is a visionary leader with a proven ability to grow organizations, increase revenue, and implement effective governance structures. His tactical and strategic mindset has driven successful capital campaigns and initiatives, leading to long-term organizational sustainability and growth, and the implementation of strategic plans for two non-profits.

Communication:

Known for his exceptional communication skills, Jeffrey builds strong relationships with donors, board members, and community stakeholders. His ability to convey a clear vision and inspire confidence has been a cornerstone of his success in fundraising and leadership.