Smile Train Announces Additions of Jennifer Jacobs and Michael Goldberg to the Board of Directors

New York, NY – November 12, 2024 – Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, announces Jennifer Jacobs, entrepreneur and founder of J METHOD Fitness & Consulting, and Michael Goldberg, former Executive Director (Hospital President) of Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center, as the newest Directors of the Board. Jacobs and Goldberg will lend their substantive and varied skills and experiences to further enhance the strength and efficacy of the organization.

Jacobs joins the Board of Smile Train as the Chair of its Development Committee. During her career, Jacobs has been a leader in the industry, helping to redefine the approach to fitness and wellness with her industry altering strategies. In addition to developing her own brand J METHOD, Jacobs has worked with several prominent companies such as Peloton, Beachbody and OMORPHO, using her unique ability to understand consumer needs to create content and brand strategies that shift standards and create new growth opportunities. Jacobs has a demonstrated history of driving growth and success in the wellness, fitness and lifestyle sectors. A passionate advocate and long-time supporter of the organization, she has played a key role as a Smile Train Global Ambassador, hosting charity rides and launching the organization’s first sports camp for patients in Medellín, Colombia. Jacobs brings a wealth of experience in connecting people worldwide and leveraging technology to build community and inspire positive change.

"I am truly honored to join Smile Train's Board of Directors and to continue championing people with clefts," said Jacobs. "After many years of being actively involved with Smile Train and witnessing first-hand the life-changing impact of their work, I’m excited to deepen my commitment and help bring even more diverse perspectives to the organization."

Goldberg has been appointed to the Board’s Audit Committee. A highly experienced healthcare leader, former hospital President and CFO at LIJ, he has guided operations, clinical advancements, strategic financial initiatives, and crisis management efforts, particularly during significant events such as the H1N1 and COVID-19 pandemics. With a passion for leadership development, Goldberg’s consulting firm, Humanistics, specializes in elevating experience for sustainable, culture improvements. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and an adjunct professor, teaching in the Health Care Management Program to graduate students at the Tuck School of Business and Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College and at Hofstra University's School of Health Sciences.

"Joining the Board of Smile Train is an incredible opportunity to contribute my healthcare leadership experience to an organization that is making a profound impact on children’s lives,” said Goldberg. “The work Smile Train has done for the last 25 years to provide life-changing cleft surgery and care to children around the world is both inspiring and essential. I’m honored to become part of this team.”

"We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer and Michael to the Smile Train family," said Roy E. Reichbach, Board Chair. “I look forward to working closely with these accomplished leaders to advance Smile Train’s vision for the next 25 years and beyond."

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About Smile Train

Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children's lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train's sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.

Media Contact:

Nicole Bell | Public Relations
nbell@smiletrain.org | (646) 829-0996