We’re pleased to share Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service (JFS) has announced that Sarah Abrahams will join as its new Executive Director, effective June 16, 2025.
Abrahams brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit and social services, with a focus on program development, community engagement, and systems-level leadership. She is well-known to many in the Austin area, both professionally and personally, as her family has been active in the Shalom Austin community for several years.
“I’m excited to continue contributing to Shalom Austin’s growth and impact in this new capacity,” Abrahams shared in the announcement.
About Sarah Abrahams
Abrahams most recently served as Associate Commissioner of Family Support Services at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). In that role, she led strategic initiatives and grant programs aimed at improving outcomes for children and families across the state. Her work included cross-agency partnerships, policy coordination, and community collaboration.
Previously, she was a Systems Improvement Analyst at Casey Family Programs, a national foundation that supports child welfare reform through technical assistance and policy development. Her earlier experience includes work with both state and community-based nonprofits in the areas of parent education, women’s health, and family economic stability.
She holds a Master’s in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.
A Transition in Leadership
Alongside this appointment, Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, who has served as Chief Social Services Officer and Executive Director of JFS since 2020, will be transitioning into a new role as Rabbinical Counselor at Shalom Austin. In this capacity, she will provide spiritual and clinical support to individuals and families, with a focus on care during illness, loss, and life transitions.
We join the community in congratulating Sarah Abrahams on her new role and thanking Rabbi Cohen for her years of leadership and continued service.