Several years ago, Lisa Kirshner connected with Debbie Zoller, the former executive director of JFS, about a possible position. At the time, the position wasn’t quite right and the timing wasn’t ideal, but they kept in touch. Everything eventually aligned after a chance meeting with Chelsea Karp at Jay’s Local. As Chelsea transitioned into her role as the new executive director, her former
position, manager of operations, became available. It turned out to be the perfect fit for Lisa, who joined JFS in September 2025.
Lisa’s previous work experience includes roles as a philanthropy manager for Planned Parenthood Keystone and a managing partner at Kirshner Health Solutions — roles that were meaningful because they helped people enhance their lives, as will her work at JFS.
Outside of work, Lisa is an avid tennis player and cyclist. She plays on numerous USTA tennis teams, is a member of the Lehigh Valley Cycling Club, and participates in a book club — all wonderful communities. She also enjoys creative pursuits in her free time: drawing, knitting, and most recently completing a mosaic, which she thoroughly enjoyed creating.
All three of Lisa’s children were raised in the Lehigh Valley and were very involved in the Jewish community. Her mother moved here over two years ago, and Lisa loves exploring the Lehigh Valley with her.
Lisa said, “JFS is such a great agency and being a part of it has been in the works for a long time – it was bsharet! Now it is the right time and the right place.”
Featured in Hakol January 2026