What role does the Jewish community play in your life today, and how have you found your place in it?

It gives me great satisfaction to be a part of the Jewish community. In all of my volunteer roles, I believe  I’m contributing to something larger than myself. In particular, many people are uncomfortable raising money, so that’s a way I can contribute. When I am fundraising, I’m asking on behalf of the organization and the people who benefit from their generosity. So, even when I hear “no,” I know that I have told the Federation story and they may really just be saying, “not right now.” 

 

Do you see overlap between your decades of work with the YMCA and how you serve the Jewish community?

Absolutely! Every position I held at the YMCA taught me how to work with volunteers, build relationships with board members and donors, and ensure that there’s an organizational culture that makes people happy to work there. That gives me a unique perspective in working with both volunteers and staff in our Jewish organizations.

 

Developing philanthropy is certainly one of your core professional skills. How did you develop an interest in that work?

I grew up around a lot of generosity. My family lived next door to my grandparents in Vernon, and I watched my grandfather contribute so much to the area. He was well respected around town and in the Jewish community. He served as president of our synagogue and donated his time, talent, and treasure,  including a Torah and the land and design plan for our cemetery. While he was a leader, he often gave anonymously. I’ve come to understand that this is one of the highest levels of giving we can reach in Judaism. 

 

What have you learned from your time serving on the Federation board?

There was a time when many people saw Federation as an organization that only raised money for distribution to worthy organizations, similar to the United Way. But it does so much more than that: I now see its work in social justice, security initiatives, and in building the next generation of community leaders. Federation offers many ways to get involved, whether you’re someone participating in the Emerging Leaders division or the Jewish Leadership Academy, interested in a mission to Israel, or active with the Jewish Community Relations Council. Federation is all about supporting the entire Jewish community in a holistic way. Now more than ever, this is vital to our community’s success and future.

 

You’re taking on a new role as the 2025 Annual Campaign Chair, leveraging years of professional experience. What makes Federation’s Annual Campaign important to you?

For starters, it funds programs that positively impact individuals at every age and stage of life. Every time a donor says yes to Federation, that’s like getting an “A” on our report card. People have so many choices of organizations they can support, and when they choose to give to our Federation, it shows an understanding of the importance and success of our mission, vision, and values.

The Annual Campaign is also an opportunity for us to say “thank you” and find new ways to show our appreciation throughout the year—both to our 2,100 donors and to our 28 campaigners. I find it inspiring to work with campaigners, who come together as a team to achieve an important goal.