The Board of Trustees of Children’s Aid and Family Services today announced the appointment of Shavonda E. Sumter as President and CEO, effective May 23, 2022. She will assume responsibility for managing all aspects of the agency’s operations.

Sumter has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, having served as Assistant Vice President at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair for 13 years, overseeing the expansion and operation of the acute adult psychiatric unit. Previously she was the Director of Business Development at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, where she led and managed the growth strategies of the inpatient psychiatric hospital. Mrs. Sumter also served as Director of Business Development at Summit Oaks Hospital in Summit, where she led successful business growth strategies.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to lead such a distinguished organization that is mission-driven,” says Mrs. Sumter. “I look forward to continuing the momentum that has been established for families and staff to thrive alongside collaborative agencies in the region.”

Since 2012, Mrs. Sumter has served as the representative of the 35th District in the New Jersey General Assembly. Among her many achievements, she was appointed Chair of the Committee for Community Development and Affairs and is the first woman to be selected Chair of the NJ Legislative Black Caucus. Mrs. Sumter has sponsored legislation to improve access to healthcare for all, -established the Commission for Violence as a Public Health Crisis, and worked to increase access to addiction treatment services. An active volunteer, she serves on the Board of Trustees of St. Luke CDC, Eastwick College, and the NAACP.

“Shavonda Sumter is an enthusiastic, collaborative and high-energy leader, and we are looking forward to working with her to further the agency’s mission,” says C. Tyler Mathisen, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “She has a passion for helping vulnerable members of the community to achieve their greatest potential, and I believe her leadership qualities and commitment to our mission will be tremendous assets to Children’s Aid and Family Services.”

Sumter holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a B.A. from Kean University. She lives in Paterson with her husband, Kenneth, and has two adult children.

Sumter succeeds Robert B. Jones, Ph.D., who has served at Children’s Aid and Family Services for more than 37 years. “I’d like to thank Dr. Bob Jones for returning to the agency last year to serve as our Interim CEO,” says Mr. Mathisen. “Bob’s years of experience at Children’s Aid and Family Services, tremendous leadership, and commitment to meeting the needs of vulnerable children, individuals and families are a true measure of community service at its best.”

About Children’s Aid and Family Services

Paramus-based Children’s Aid and Family Services is a leading nonprofit human services organization serving northern New Jersey. The agency is fully accredited and has served the community for more than 120 years. Its mission is to strengthen families and empower individuals – children and adults alike – to reach their fullest potential. For more information on Children’s Aid and Family Services, call 201.261.2800 or visit www.cafsnj.org.