After nonprofit CEO resigns, organization names interim CEO

SARASOTA — JFCS of the Suncoast has hired Arthur Lerman as its interim CEO.

Lerman replaces Heidi Brown, who resigned from her position after serving JFCS for the past three years, according to a press release. 

“Heidi has done a great job as our CEO,” says Dean Miller, chair of the JFCS board of directors, in a statement. “We thank her for her contributions to the growth and development of JFCS and wish her the very best.”  

Lerman moved to the Sarasota area in 2007. Since then, he has been executive director of ITNSuncoast and We Care Manatee. Lerman has served on the JFCS board of directors and as chair of the board’s development committee. He has developed and managed assisted living facilities, nursing homes, a traumatic brain injury rehabilitation facility and a home health agency. Lerman has been the executive director of nonprofits providing transportation services to seniors, medical services to individuals without health insurance, and residential, day habilitation and supportive employment services to individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

Lerman has also been a consultant to states in the areas of behavior health and long-term care. He was involved in the redesign of the behavioral health systems for Oregon and West Virginia and integrating behavioral health services into San Francisco’s public health clinics.

“With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, Arthur will make significant contributions to our organization in the areas of organizational development and growth, strategic planning, financial management and community relations," says Miller. "While we will be conducting a national search for a permanent CEO, we will have the benefit of Arthur’s leadership for the next several months." 

JFCS of the Suncoast provides counseling, case management and financial assistance to youth and families, individuals, veterans, seniors and those experiencing or near homelessness in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto and Lee counties. For over 35 years, JFCS has provided non-denominational mental health and social services. It has provided support to over 5,700 individuals this past year.