Sylvia G. Ferrell-Jones

Sylvia G. Ferrell-Jones was recently hired as the new president and chief executive officer of the YWCA Boston, which serves more than 10,000 women and their families each year.

Prior to joining the YWCA Boston, Ferrell-Jones served as director of agency development for the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, providing management and strategy consultations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America affiliates. She worked for the national organization for five years and previously served on the board of directors for Big Brothers of Massachusetts Bay.

“The Board of Directors of the YWCA Boston is honored that Sylvia has joined our organization as its president and CEO,” said Sandra B. Henriquez, the YW’s board president. “Given her commitment to the YW’s moral imperatives to eliminate racism and empower women, her personal and professional experiences make this leadership opportunity an exciting time for the organization.”

Ferrell-Jones has spent most of her career in the field of investment management for institutional investors, primarily focusing on real estate-related assets as director at AEW Capital Management, headquartered in Boston, and as a principal investment officer with the State of Connecticut Trust Funds.

“The vision of the YWCA to eliminate racism and empower women is one that has great appeal to me personally. I have been engaged in these causes for much of my personal and professional life,” said Ferrell-Jones. “It’s amazing now to have a vocation where this work is my full-time endeavor.”

Ferrell-Jones earned her bachelor of arts degree from Cornell University and her law degree from Yale Law School. She has been an active participant in numerous community and professional organizations, including the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ; The Partnership; New England Women in Real Estate; National Network of Commercial Real Estate Women; Pension Real Estate Association; Real Estate Finance Association; and The Real Estate Exchange.