Vivian Seigel
Chief Executive Officer
JVS

Vivian Seigel has served as Chief Executive Officer of JVS since 1996. She brings over two decades of career services, strategic and financial planning, and management services experience to her post. A career employee at JVS, Seigel has served in many capacities within the organization, and has dedicated her professional career to helping people improve their skills and careers. Under Seigel, JVS has diversified its funding sources and has developed entrepreneurial programs enabling JVS to expand services to those in need.

Beginning as a rehabilitation counselor in 1977, she provided specialized counseling, skills and aptitude assessment, and career management services to clients. Vivian became assistant director of JVS in 1991 and was responsible for training and supervising personnel, administering grant proposals, and developing and overseeing all of JVS’ programs and services. Under the leadership of Seigel, JVS has established one of the most successful welfare-to-work programs for refugees in California and has expanded programs for high-risk youth.

Other key accomplishments include her establishment of the career resource library for agency clients, re-opening the assessment and testing center for clients with disabilities, and developing and implementing strategies to target government, corporate, and private funds on programs for displaced workers and newly-arrived refugees.

In 1995, Seigel established an award-winning program partnership with Marriott Corp., which prepares economically disadvantaged workers for entry-level jobs in the hospitality industry. Previously, she secured funding for a program that enabled high-level Soviet scientists to gain visibility and employment by subsidizing their research at UCLA and other high-level institutions. In November of 1999, Seigel partnered with California State Senator Richard Alarcon to author Senate Bill 569. This legislation provides funding for employment services to individuals, allowing them to enter the workplace instead of relying on government support.

Seigel holds a B.A. in sociology from UCLA and an M.S. in Counseling and Guidance, Magna Cum Laude, from California State University, Los Angeles. She is a certified rehabilitation counselor and a life credentialed California Community College instructor and counselor. In June of 2001, Seigel was elected President of the International Association of Jewish Vocational Services.