For more than 50 years, Briarpatch Youth Services in Madison has served as an important organization to the youth of Dane County providing services, resources, and counsel. On Wednesday, the organization announced that Jill Pfeiffer will lead the organization as its new executive director, succeeding Gloria Reyes, who stepped down in July of last year.
“Briarpatch provides critical programs to Dane County youth and I am thrilled to be joining the team. I am entering this role with humility and a deep understanding that our youth are experiencing a time of both significant challenges and opportunities to flourish,” Pfeiffer stated in a press release.
“Building upon years of fund development experience, it is my hope to bring resources into the agency that will allow staff and youth the opportunity to develop solutions and programs that help youth to thrive,” she continued. “I am grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside the Briarpatch staff members, board members, volunteers, partners, funders and supporters with the shared purpose of strengthening the lives of youth and families.”
Through collaboration with non-profit organizations and local government, Briarpatch is able to give aid to around 2,000 at-risk youth a year in the Dane County area, along with aiding families of at-risk youth. Pfeiffer spent her undergraduate at UW-Madison and has worked in the non-profit sector for 25 years, which began by running afterschool
programming at the Wexford Ridge Neighborhood Center in the mid-90s.
“We at Briarpatch are delighted to welcome Jill Pfeiffer as our new executive director,” stated Kate Reilly, Briarpatch board co-chair. “She has strong management and leadership skills, as well as a passion for serving those most vulnerable in our community. She stood out in a large field of candidates that is a testament both to her skills and Briarpatch’s reputation as a premier youth services agency. Jill is the right person to grow our abilities to assist youth in crisis.”
As Pfeiffer looks to take on the position of executive director at Briarpatch Youth Services, she will continue to advocate for equity and community uplift. This will be especially important as Briarpatch provides incredibly valuable services and resources to vulnerable youth in Madison.
