Linda Kislowicz, CEO, UIAFC
Linda Kislowicz is the Chief Executive Officer of UIA Federations Canada (UIAFC). Before being appointed UIAFCs CEO in 2006, Linda Kislowicz held, and left her mark on, several positions in the Jewish philanthropic world.
Linda holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work, both of which she received from McGill University, where she later taught. Linda indeed worked as a social worker and social work supervisor and conducted related research.
After holding key positions such as Branch Director of Snowdon “Y” (1989-1993), and “Y” Country Camp Director (1992-1993), Linda served as Executive Director at the Jewish Family Services of the Baron de Hirsch Institute of Montreal, from 1993 to 2002. She transformed JFS from a bureaucratic governmental agency into an entrepreneurial community-based agency. Linda led the agency to significant growth in programs, services and budget, while achieving financial health and transparency and developing excellent working relations with all cultural and religious sections of the community.
From 2002 to 2006, Linda served as Executive Director of YM-YWHA & NHS of Montreal – Montreal’s Jewish Community Centre, which she led to significant growth in membership and market penetration as well as increased financial stability.
Linda has always dedicated her time and efforts to the community and has sat on several Boards of Directors, including at the Jewish Community Centres Association, 2005-present; Planning Committee, World Conference of Jewish Communal Service, Social Service Track, 2000 and 2004; the Montreal Health Board, Access committee, 1998-2003; the Association of Jewish Family and Childrens’ Agencies, 1998-2003; Federation CJA, 1997-1999; Family Services of Canada, 1996-1999; the Bronfman Jewish Education Council, 1993-2003; and the Corporation of Social Workers of Quebec, 1976 – present.
Linda also served as Chair of the Jewish Social service Professional Association, 1998-2000; Chair of the Executive Directors Council, Federation CJA, 1997-1999; and as Committee Chair in the Reconstructionist Synagogue, 1987-1991. She is the recipient of numerous awards including Honoree at Women’s Federation CJA “Dining with the Top”; Woman of the Year at Temple Emanuel Beth Shalom, 2002; and the Queen’s Jubilee Award presented by Canadian Parliamentarians, 2002.
Linda’s numerous publications include:
Kislowicz, Linda; Victor, Barbara and Meir, Leah, “School Social Workers - Powerful or Powerless? What Makes the Difference”. Presentation given at the Pearl Leibovitch Annual Clinical Day, November 1988.
Reichertz, Diane; Frankel, Harvey; Kislowicz, Linda; Steele, Shirley; Duder, Sydney, “Integrating Family Perceptions and Behaviour: Clinical Implications”. Presentation given at American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, October 1984.
Deehy-Paquet, Ann; Home, A.; Hopmeyer, E. and Kislowicz, L., “A Typology of Social Work Practice with Groups”. Paper presented at Council of Canadian Social Work Education, March 1984.
Deehy-Paquet, Ann; Home, A.; Hopmeyer, E. and Kislowicz, L., “Étude Comparative de la Pratique du Service Social des Groupes au Québec”. Service Social, 1983.
Kislowicz, L. and Aronson, J., “Hospital Social Services - A Study of Patients’ and Professionals’ Views”. Intervention, Winter, 1981.
Reichertz, D.; Kislowicz, L. and Stalinski, J., “Residential Care: The Impact of Institutional Policies, Structures and Staff on Residential Children”. McGill University, June 1979.
Reichertz, D.; Stalinski, J. and Kislowicz, L., “Teaching Child Welfare - Philosophy and Practice”. Intervention, Fall 1978.