MADISON, Wis. — Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS) announced today that Executive Director Kai Yael Gardner Mishlove will step down from her role, effective May 2, 2025. Gardner Mishlove has served as Executive Director since September 2022, leading the organization through a period of significant growth, innovation, and community impact.
“It has been the deepest honor to serve this extraordinary community and lead an organization so rooted in care, justice, and healing,” said Gardner Mishlove. “JSS will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am profoundly proud of what we’ve built together.”
Under Gardner Mishlove’s leadership, JSS expanded its programs, strengthened interfaith and cross-cultural partnerships, and deepened its commitment to serving refugees, seniors, and the broader Jewish and immigrant communities of Dane County. Key accomplishments include:
- Launching new programming such as a Memory Café for individuals with dementia and their families, and an expanded Spiritual Care Program to support those affected by substance use disorder.
- Enhancing refugee support services, including the hiring of a dedicated health and wellness specialist, and welcoming individuals from an increasing number of countries—including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
- Increasing the religious, ethnic, and linguistic diversity and expertise of our staff, who are all highly trained professionals and collectively represent seven countries, three continents, and 20 languages.
- Strengthening community and cultural initiatives, such as the annual Sukkot celebration in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Madison, and the establishment of an interfaith reflection and prayer room for staff.
- Empowering refugee entrepreneurs through programs like Tables Across Borders and immigrant artisan pop-up markets.
- Securing the largest single gift in JSS history—a $2 million donation from a former refugee served by JSS.
Gardner Mishlove also oversaw the relocation of JSS to a unified space, fostering greater integration across services and a more welcoming environment for clients. Throughout her tenure, JSS also navigated increasing security needs and securing a nonprofit security grant to protect clients and staff.
“Through a time of both challenge and opportunity, Kai Yael brought vision, compassion, and tenacity to her role,” said Nancy Leff, Chair of the JSS Board of Directors. “Her leadership has made a lasting impact on JSS and the broader Madison community.”
Transition planning is currently underway in collaboration with the JSS Board of Directors and senior leadership team. In the coming weeks, interim leadership will be announced, and a search process for a new executive director will begin.
About Jewish Social Services of Madison
Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS) provides compassionate social services rooted in Jewish values to individuals and families throughout Dane County. JSS supports refugees and immigrants, older adults, individuals facing housing insecurity, and others in need through a range of culturally competent services and community-based programs. JSS serves Dane County residents from all backgrounds. Learn more at jssmadison.org.
