Jitasa's Bold Leadership Shift
In a significant development for the nonprofit sector, Jitasa, a prominent provider of accounting and financial services, has announced a strategic leadership transition poised to steer the company toward its next phase of growth. Effective January 1, 2026, Don Needs, who has served as the Chief Financial Officer, and Jon Osterburg, the current Chief Operating Officer, will step into the roles of Co-Chief Executive Officers. This transition signifies a thoughtful and well-planned succession strategy that has been in place for the past year.
The decision follows an impressive period of sustained growth for Jitasa, which has seen annual revenue increase between 25% to 40% over the last three years. Furthermore, the company has expanded its workforce significantly by onboarding over 350 global team members, enhancing its operational and financial frameworks, which are now at their strongest point in the company's history. Today, Jitasa proudly serves more than 1,650 nonprofits across the United States, providing a suite of specialized services including bookkeeping, accounting, controller, CFO, and tailored tax services.
Jeff Russell, the founder and CEO, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, continuing to offer strategic vision and support for the organization. According to Russell, “Jitasa has always centered on service, integrity, and stewardship. This transition represents a natural evolution of our journey. Both Don and Jon have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment to our mission throughout their decade-long tenures at Jitasa. I am exceedingly proud of our team and confident in our future.”
In their new capacities, Needs and Osterburg are expected to uphold and enhance Jitasa's mission of improving the operational efficacy of nonprofit organizations through exceptional financial services. Both executives expressed their enthusiasm about the future, emphasizing the importance of Jitasa's core values and their dedication to serving nonprofits worldwide.
“This transition reflects the strength and depth of our leadership team at Jitasa,” stated Don Needs. “We are honored to carry forward Jeff's vision while remaining focused on supporting nonprofits globally.” Jon Osterburg echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about Jitasa's bright future. “We look forward to continuing to develop a company where our team flourishes, our clients receive top-tier support, and our mission remains central to our operations.”
Importantly, Jitasa assures clients that there will be no changes to existing relationships or services, ensuring a seamless transition as the new leadership takes charge. The goal is to solidify the company for long-term success while reinforcing its commitment to its nonprofit clientele.
About Jitasa
Jitasa, which translates to “The Spirit of Serving Others,” stands as the largest national provider of accounting and bookkeeping services dedicated exclusively to the nonprofit sector. With operations across all 50 states and a global team servicing thousands of nonprofits, Jitasa is committed to enhancing the financial health and operational excellence of organizations that prioritize serving others. For further information, visit
www.jitasa.com.