Pillar Search & Consulting Assists Jewish Vocational Service in CIO Search

July 14, 2020 – Pillar Search & Consulting has placed Jim Santiago as the new chief information officer of Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) in Boston. “We look forward to Jim’s leadership as JVS evolves into an agency with a fully integrated, highly effective tech infrastructure and systems which will optimize staff, client and alumni success,” said Kira Khazatsky, chief operating officer of JVS.

Following an extensive search, Mr. Santiago was selected based on his unique qualifications. He was recognized as the “2012 CIO of the Year – Nonprofit” by the Boston Business Journal / Mass High Tech. He brings extensive experience from positions with leading organizations, including the New England Center for Children, State Street Global Advisors and FLIR Systems.

Notably, while CIO at the New England Center for Children, which provides effective, evidence-based educational services to children with autism, Mr. Santiago successfully created business opportunities, improved the technology infrastructure, and updated technology to enhance traditional teaching methods and improve business processes. In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Santiago has a strong commitment to the JVS mission of empowering individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers, while partnering with employers to hire, develop and retain productive workforces.

In his new role, Mr. Santiago will be a member of the executive team, and will be expected to establish the mission and vision of JVS’ technology organization to foster a value-added, user-focused mindset. He will implement technology, process and engagement steps to optimize staff productivity, support consistent cross-program delivery and foster an information-driven culture.

Serving Great Boston

For 80 years, JVS has helped tens of thousands of individuals with barriers to economic success secure financial independence through training, education and employment services.  As the largest provider of adult education and workforce development services in the region, JVS is a nationally recognized leader in workforce development, and is a key part of the poverty alleviation strategy for the Greater Boston area. JVS’ annual operating budget of more than $15 million is derived equally from public and private sources.

A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to non-profit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization.

Cindy Joyce, an executive search and human resources consultant, is founder of Pillar Search & HR Consulting. Her reputation was built on finding top candidates, building lasting client relationships and promoting a strong organizational culture. In her 25 years in recruiting and human resources, she has had the opportunity to work with organizations such as City Year, Harvard Law School and Lindauer Global.

CIO Recruiting

In recent months, a number of organizations have turned to executive search firms to help them find top flight CIOs. Here are a few of the top assignments tracked by Hunt Scanlon Media:

Acertitude has recruited Justin Sheppard as CIO for Enlivant, one of the nation’s largest senior living owners and operators with a presence in 27 states across the U.S. Co-founder and managing partner Rick DeRose spearheaded the assignment. Acertitude’s search took 105 days. Mr. DeRose, who has a strong record of placing CIOs and IT leaders, collaborated closely with Enlivant’s president and chief operating officer Dan Guill, chief human resources officer Peter Smith and TPG Capital CIO advisor Ron Kim.

Sydney-headquartered search firm the Insight Group placed Michelle Rennie as the new CIO of the Royal Children’s Hospital. Ms. Rennie is a senior digital leader with over 15 years of IT management experience across large and complex matrix organizations. She has a proven track record of transforming critical teaching and learning processes into high quality online and mobile services. Previously, Ms. Rennie was director of technology, learning, teaching and research at RMIT University.

Rosenzweig & Company placed former Just Energy executive Ash Rajendra as CIO of the Supreme Cannabis Company, where he will focus on ensuring the organization is well prepared to execute on its next phase of growth. Partner Larry Chan led the assignment. Mr. Rajendra is an experienced information technology and business leader who has a deep understanding of vertically integrated products, including operating within a regulated environment.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media

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