Elissa Malter Schwartz

Elissa “Lis” Malter Schwartz serves as JCPA’s Director of Finance and Administration, bringing nearly three decades of leadership experience across nonprofit management, philanthropy, and consulting, including extensive work within Jewish communal and progressive organizations. 

Throughout her career, Lis has worked at the intersection of finance, operations, organizational development, and mission. She has served as an executive director, senior nonprofit leader, consultant, and grantmaker, helping organizations strengthen their financial and operational infrastructure, navigate periods of growth and transition, and build systems that allow people and programs to thrive. 

Lis brings a practical, people-centered approach to her work, grounded in a longstanding commitment to advocating for people and communities whose voices have too often been unheard or marginalized. She believes strong financial stewardship and organizational systems are essential tools for helping leaders make informed decisions, use resources wisely, build trust, and advance an organization’s mission. 

Lis lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband. They have four adult children and have welcomed more than two dozen foster children into their home over the years.