Jerelyn Weiss to Rejoin NEF Board

After 10 years of dedicated service, Jerelyn Weiss, MS, JD, FNP, RN, Executive Director of NEF, retired from her position on February 28, 2026. Jerelyn’s association with NEF began as a member of the Board of Directors, beginning in 2011 and extending until November 2015, when she became its first Executive Director. Her leadership and commitment have strengthened NEF’s work and advanced our mission in meaningful ways.

Early in her tenure, Jerelyn facilitated and managed the NEF transition from “bricks and mortar” to a virtual office. This move contributed to significant and ongoing cost savings, flexibility, and operational efficiency for NEF. She continued to deftly manage all aspects of the virtual office, establishing remote systems and work processes that are still utilized today.

Jerelyn worked tirelessly with the Criteria & Eligibility Committee and NEF’s IT Consultant to standardize and improve all aspects of the NEF scholarship application and award process. She has been the face of NEF to countless scholars, answering their questions and shepherding them through their scholarship application process. She provided crucial support to NEF committees and Board members. She worked collaboratively with Board members and our IT consultant to develop and refine the NEF website, a continuation of her work on the Web and Social Media Committee as an NEF Board member. Throughout Jerelyn’s years as Executive Director, NEF scholarship applications, awards, and the number of named scholarship donations have increased significantly.

Virginia (Ginger) Berman, MA, assumed the role of NEF Executive Director effective January 1, 2026. Jerelyn spent the months of January and February providing in-depth, invaluable orientation and support to Ginger, sharing her experience and wisdom to ensure a smooth transition.
NEF is fortunate that its association with Jerelyn will not end with her retirement from her position as Executive Director. Jerelyn will be rejoining the NEF Board of Directors at our Spring meeting in June 2026.

We are deeply grateful to Jerelyn for her many contributions to NEF and the lasting impact of her tenure as Executive Director on the fulfillment of our mission and values. Please join us in thanking Jerelyn for her years of service, excellence, and commitment by sending a personal message to info@n-e-f.org to be compiled for her. 

Joan Marren, MEd, MA, RN, NEF President
On behalf of the NEF Board of Directors