Anyone who has ever attended a Jewish Family Service of Tidewater event, participated in Run, Roll or Stroll, ordered a Basket of Hope centerpiece for a celebration, or made a charitable gift to JFS, likely encountered Sue Graves. For more than two decades, Graves has been a staple at JFS as the director of development. The position (and the agency) has grown and evolved over the years, and Graves has been at the center of this evolution.
“It has been my honor and pleasure to serve the Jewish Family Service of Tidewater community for over two decades. On January 7, I stepped down as director of development to join my family in California and begin the next chapter of my life,” says Graves. “It has been wonderful to be part of an agency that serves the most vulnerable in our community, working alongside all of you to make a difference in the Tidewater region for both individuals and families alike. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives.
“I leave this position in the very capable hands of Brooke Rush who I know will help usher in JFS services and programs that are made possible by your support and generosity,“ says Graves.
Rush grew up in Danville, Virginia and graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2009. While attending CNU she worked as a student caller in their Tele-fund program reaching out to alumni and friends of the university to raise funds for the school. After graduating from CNU she managed student callers for the same program. Her career in development continued at a small nonprofit working with planned giving, grants, and major gifts.
Joining the JFS family was an easy decision for Rush, she says, as she relates to the organization’s mission and beliefs and has a passion for helping others. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join such a vital organization and feel lucky to be able to grow and be part of the impact and outreach of JFS. Although there is no one that could possibly fill Sue Graves’ shoes,” says Rush, “I will do my best and bring my experience to continue the organization’s mission.”
Also joining the agency as its in-house graphic designer/marketing assistant is Tryl Hodges. A Hampton Roads native who recently graduated from Tidewater Community College with an associate degree of Applied Science in Graphic Design specializing in Multimedia, she has also worked with Dodge Motorsports, Apple, Barbizon, Aria Earbuds, AT&T, and Tidewater Community College, among others. Hodges will use her experience and creative talents to help JFS with updating its digital content, social media presence, and marketing materials. “I am thrilled to be part of our growing JFS community, and I look forward to expanding my experience in the innovative and ever-changing world of design.”
“JFS welcomes Brooke and Tryl, and we are excited about the energy and talents they bring the organization,” says Burroughs. “We are so grateful to Sue Graves for her time, dedication, and the profound impact that she has had on our community. We wish her well on her new beginnings in California and know that she will continue to leave her special mark on the world.”