First incorporated as a non-profit agency in 1989, Jewish Family Services Birmingham became Collat Jewish Family Services in 2001 in recognition of a flagship gift from the Charles & Patsy Collat family. Since its inception, CJFS has been enabling aging-in-place, supporting mental health and wellness, and building community connections in the greater Birmingham area.
Today, CJFS has a special focus on supporting independence and enriching quality of life for older adults, while continuing to provide professional counseling and human services for people all ages. As the aging population continues its rapid growth, CJFS will continue to adapt to the changing needs of this vulnerable cohort.
CJFS is a partner agency of United Way of Central Alabama and the Birmingham Jewish Federation and a member of the Alabama Association of Non-Profits and the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies. Our work is made possible, in large part, through the ongoing generosity of the Collat family, the CJFS Endowment of the Birmingham Jewish Foundation, and our many annual donors, corporate sponsors, and grantors.
Executive Director
Lauren Schwartz became Executive Director of CJFS in 2011. A Memphis native, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cornell University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. With over 30 years of Jewish communal service, she began her career as a social worker and therapist at CJFS. Lauren strategically leads her team to provide quality, professional services with transparency, integrity, and passion.
Senior Director of CJFS Programs
Pam Leonard has served older adults at CJFS in a variety of roles for over 20 years. She is responsible for managing all CJFS direct service programs including Senior Solutions, Counseling, CARES and Transportation. Pam was named “Dementia Professional of the Year” in 2019 by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and in 2025 was inducted into the Respite for All “Hall of Heart”.
Fund Development & Outreach Director
Anna Read became CJFS Fund Development & Outreach Director in 2023. She leads the mobilization of resources to meet and surpass annual and long-term fundraising goals enabling the meaningful impact of CJFS. In addition, she directs marketing and communications and oversees volunteer engagement and outreach programming.
Operations Director
Carolyn Pevey joined the CJFS team in 2015 as the Operations Director. She is responsible for upholding the fiscal policies put in place by the CJFS Board of Directors, overseeing financial management of the agency. In addition to finance, she serves as the human resource manager and coordinates technology systems and security. Carolyn ensures that CJFS operates with effectiveness and efficiency.
President, Kay Kornmeier
Vice President, Rebecca Boykins
Vice President, Steven A. Brickman
Vice President, David Romanoff
Treasurer, Jessica Rhodes
Secretary, Karri Neal
Past President, Faye Levin
Executive Director, Lauren Schwartz
Kenneth Boockvar, M.D.
Stephanie Butler
Lacey Epstein
Lorrin Etka-Shepherd
Rachel Jones Lopez
Alisa Nadler
Allison H. Nanni
Jessica Nissenbaum
Kim J. Rogers
Stephen L. Royal
Ann Todd
Gary Weintraub
Seth B. Wolnek
