High-Level Human Resources Executive Joins Jewish Family and Children’s Services

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast, Inc., a fully accredited, community-based social service nonprofit, recently appointed Deborah Hedde-Croce as its chief people and culture officer.

With more than 40 years of experience within the human resources sector, Hedde-Croce brings extensive knowledge in talent management, employee and labor relations, succession planning and strategic planning to the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Suncoast (JFCS). The talent management company, MBJ Group, led the nonprofit’s search for the position.

In her new role, she will support the CEO and further the agency’s mission by increasing the attraction and retention of outstanding talent through a comprehensive human resource program. Hedde-Croce will be responsible for directing the development and implementation of an employee-oriented, high-performance culture and provide top-level leadership and direction for the nonprofit’s 100-plus employees.

“Deborah is a recognized leader and champion of employee engagement with a history of building talent pipelines that identifies and unleashes previously untapped potential,” said Heidi Brown, the chief executive officer of JFCS. “A trusted human resources business partner and community collaborator, we are thrilled to welcome Debbie to the JFCS team.” 

Prior to joining JFCS, Hedde-Croce served as the director of human resources for The Resort at Longboat Key Club and The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park and also acted as a human resources consultant. She has managed staffing, implemented policies, training and development programs and executed Forbes 5-Star initiatives.

“My new role with the Jewish Family and Children’s Services will allow me to positively impact the internal team and also touch the lives of those in our community,” said Hedde-Croce.

Hedde-Croce earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the State University of New York, College at Brockport. She has been a guest lecturer at Florida State University, New York University and the Institute for Culinary Education. Hedde-Croce was honored with the Women in Lodging, Leader of the Year award from the American Hotel & Lodging Association in 2016 and has received accolades by other organizations within the tourism and hospitality industry.

JFCS delivers a broad range of mental health and social services to individuals, families, seniors, adults, children and veterans on a secular, non-denominational basis. Through comprehensive counseling and social service programs, the nonprofit empowers individuals by helping them make life-altering changes to improve the quality of their lives. JFCS promotes self-sufficiency, providing people with the resources not only to cope but also to overcome life’s challenges.