(above) Janet Sarkos of Westfield has been named executive director of Caring Contact.
Caring Contact, the Westfield-based crisis hotline and listening community, has named Janet Sarkos of Westfield as executive director. She had been serving as interim executive director.
Most recently, Sarkos was the chief operating officer of Chervo USA, an Italian golf clothing brand, and her broader professional experience includes marketing and public relations consulting. She also has been a Caring Contact volunteer listener since 2014.
Sarkos currently serves as president of the board of trustees of The Westfield Foundation. She also has 10 years of fundraising and leadership experience in Westfield’s parent teacher organizations.
“The board is confident that in Janet Sarkos we have found a uniquely qualified individual to lead us into the next chapter of our critical work,” said Bob John, president of the board of trustees at Caring Contact. “Janet is unquestionably devoted to our mission, as she so well demonstrated as a former volunteer and interim executive director.”
“My goals are to continue the long tradition of care and support on our caring and crisis hotline that have been established over more than 40 years,” Sarkos said. “I also intend to share what we know as a listening community by offering customized training programs to individuals and community groups, such as parents, school districts, first responders, businesses and other health professionals. I plan to partner with other organizations in our community, to increase the health and well-being of all.
“I look forward to growing the organization and finding new ways to increase the impact of our outstanding group of certified trainers and volunteer listeners.”
ABOUT CARING CONTACT
Caring Contact is an award-winning, volunteer-staffed caring and crisis hotline providing active listening support and best-inclass education to the Central and Northern New Jersey community. We attentively and compassionately serve those in emotional distress and educate our communities about the power of personal connection. We are affiliated with CONTACT USA, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the American Association of Suicidology. If you are in crisis and need someone to listen, call us at 908-232- 2880.To learn more, visit www.caringcontact.org.
