Each year the children of Dr. Howard A Mermelstein, a former JFCS board member, present an award to a current member of the JFCS board who has shown exceptional leadership qualities. This year’s recipient was Carol Robinson, a JFCS board member since 2013.
Jan Shaw, Bob Mermelstein and Margie Dubner came to the podium and related the legacy of service bequeathed to them from their father (and their mother: henceforth the award will be known as the Howard & Beverly Mermelstein award).
In choosing Carol Robinson, they noted her service to so many nonprofit institutions in the city, including stints as President of the boards of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Carol, an experienced public relations professional (with her own business, Robinson, Inc), helped JFCS with its rebranding effort of 2016.
When asked why Carol should receive this award, JFCS board President Matthew Keller said, “She is a tremendous leader. Her passion for the agency is evident in everything she does…She always provides keen, thoughtful, and strategic insight. She sees the big picture and can articulate the process needed to get from point A to point B better than anyone else. She is a stalwart advocate for the agency and our entire community.”
Accepting the award, Carol spoke of what serving on the JFCS board meant to her: “When I was asked to serve on this board, I considered what JFCS did in our community. I was inspired by the diverse programs which had the potential to improve and transform people’s lives. The mission of helping individuals thru life’s changes and challenges resonated with me…. I was also impressed by the collaborative approach that JFCS uses to leverage community resources and expand its reach.”
Once more, the Power of Together! Congratulations Carol for this well-deserved honor!
Photo: (L – R): Mermelstein siblings Jan Shaw, Bob Mermelstein and Margie Dubner; award recipient Carol Robinson.
Photo: Erica Dietz:ericadietzphotography.com