A familiar face is leading an established nonprofit committed to assisting families of students enrolled in the Fox Chapel Area School District.
Jen Mackey of Fox Chapel is the newest executive director of Fox Families Care. She brings decades of business and volunteer experience to the role she began in December.
She replaces former executive director Nicole Shirk. Mackey, who previously served on the Fox Families Care Finance Committee, will manage a board of 18 volunteers and a bevy of other helpers connected with the FFC.
A founding member of Backpack for Hunger, Mackey is dedicated to creating lasting impacts for district children and families.
The nonprofit was established in 2019 to bridge the gap between the needs and resources of children and families in the district — all with discretion and zero judgment.
Last year, Fox Families Care helped over 400 children receive more than 800 holiday gifts, provided 12 continuing education scholarships, distributed more than 1,000 coats and Halloween costumes, donated more than 500 backpacks and school supplies and gave away 1,000 pieces of new bedding.
Fox Families Care President Mary Lisa Siegel described Mackey’s leadership style as a perfect blend of empathy and expertise.
“We’re very proud of the reputation and level of trust we have worked so hard to build in this community,” Siegel said. “Our board of directors works tirelessly behind the scenes to make our programs run smoothly and ensure that any child or family that seeks help is assisted.”
Additionally in 2025, the organization fulfilled 54 emergency assistance grants and distributed 400 holiday grocery support gift cards.
Mackey noted two district schools — Kerr and Hartwood elementaries — qualify for free meals for all students because more than 50% of their population qualifies for free or reduced lunches.
“There are a lot of needs along with wealth in other communities,” Mackey said.
Siegel said Mackey has a honed set of skills that make her well suited for the job.
“Her compassion, intimate knowledge of the school district and ability to engage thoughtfully with both supporters and recipients make her an outstanding leader and advocate for our mission,” Siegel said.
Global adventures
Growing up in the South Hills, Mackey chose to go South — to Tennessee — when it was time to choose a college.
Vanderbilt University caught her academic eye, and she adored her years there majoring in psychology.
“I looked at a certain caliber of schools, and I went to visit and fell in love with the school. I loved my time there,” said Mackey, who pledged with the Alpha Omega Pi sorority and is still best friends with her freshman-year roommate.
After college, Mackey, now 51, lived and worked on Isle of Palms and Folly Beach in South Carolina and, later, in New Jersey.
She particulary enjoyed the laid-back lifestyle of living on the small barrier island off the coast of Charleston, S.C.
“I loved it because I had just graduated from college, and the lifestyle there didn’t require a lot of money. And when I was there, it was pretty remote. I would go walk on the beach every night,” she said. “The ocean would just sparkle.”
After marriage, a job move to Switzerland with pharmaceutical giant Novartis provided abundant international travel opportunities.
“I loved Switzerland because it’s so central in Europe, and we went to Russia, Turkey and everywhere. In Switzerland, I was a 15-minute drive to France and 15 minutes to Germany,” Mackey said.
Another job move to Thousand Oaks in Southern California preceded the Mackeys’ return to Pittsburgh. She and her husband have lived 18 years in Fox Chapel.
“We’re both huge Pittsburgh lovers,” said Mackey, a mother of two sons, the youngest a freshman at Fox Chapel Area High School.
Other finance jobs held by Mackey included 321 Blink in Sharpsburg and Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church.
“I’ve always had an interest in this community and serving,” she said.
A typical work day for Mackey varies with key tasks, such as working with community partners including each school in the district, the Sharpsburg Family Worship Center, Roots of Faith, Second Harvest, Hello Neighbor and more.
Any district family in need can reach out to Fox Families Care, for example, if they are in need of rental assistance or paying utilities.
The school counselors in each respective school work to facilitate what is needed for each family.
“We serve people in our school district, and we have to go through the counselors,” Mackey said. “Our mission always centers on serving kids and their families”
More than 25 languages are represented in the Fox Chaple Area School District, signaling a growing, diverse population.
One important high school amenity made possible by volunteers of FFC is the Foxes Burrow, a free, no-questions-asked clothing, snacks and personal hygiene store at the high school.
The Foxes Burrow averages about 80 student visits each week.
“I’m very excited that I get to participate in the lives of the people of our community in this way. I feel privileged to be able to work with everyone to make this community better for everyone,” Mackey said.
Mackey’s numerous hobbies include playing platform tennis (paddle for short) at the Fox Chapel Racquet Club; hiking with her dog, Roxie, on nearby Fox Chapel-area trails, particularly the Lockheart Loop; and attending family and community-related sporting events.
Her favorite dining spot is Local Provisions in Fox Chapel Plaza.
“I’d eat there for breakfast, lunch and dinner if I could. I’m a regular,” Mackey said.
Families in need of help are asked to request assistance through their respective school’s counselor.
To volunteer or donate, email info@foxfamiliescare.org.