2007 National Young Leadership Awards
The winners of the Young Leadership Awards are men and women who have demonstrated their commitment to the Jewish people through community involvement as well as varied individual achievements. The Young Leadership honors are awarded locally, and UJC will recognize the winners during the GA. “These are rising stars in the Jewish community,” says Amy Warshaw, co-chair of UJC National Young Leadership. “They represent the future leadership of the American Jewish community and we hope that winning their local Young Leadership Award will spur them on to even greater, lifelong involvement.”
Zachary Asher Abeles has long been active in the St. Louis and Jewish community. He has been involved for many years with the Young Professionals Division of the Jewish Federation, where he has served in such roles as vice president of Campaign and vice president of Education. Zach was recently appointed to the federation’s Core Allocations committee. Zach has held other Jewish leadership posts, including president of the Jewish Law Students Association at St. Louis University Law School, board member of the St. Louis Israel Connection, and various posts within the Jewish Community Relations Council. Zach practices law with the firm of Polsinelli Shalton Flanigan Suelthaus PC in Clayton, Mo. Jewish Federation of St. Louis: David N. and Roselin Grosberg Young Leadership Award.
Since moving to Phoenix eight years ago, Michelle Abrams has contributed a great deal of time to the Greater Phoenix Jewish community. From 1999-2001, Michelle was a board member of the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and in 2001 was co-chair of YLD’s Main Event. She currently chairs the board of the Community Relations Committee and has held numerous chair and co-chair positions with the committee since 2001. Michelle is a member of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and has participated in both the American Jewish Committee’s Engaging America program and the Kollel Institute. She is an occupational and certified hand therapist. Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix: Lee Amada Young Leadership Award.
Larry Appel has served as a board member of Florida’s Jacksonville Jewish Federation since 2003, and for the past two years has served as treasurer and chair of the Finance committee and chair of the Allocations committee. Larry was extremely involved in the implementation of the federation’s Advanced Leadership Enrichment Series, and currently chairs the program, which was launched in 2006 as a result of the federation’s strategic planning process. Jacksonville Jewish Federation: Ilene Sari Selevan Young Leadership Award.
Chad Asarch is chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Colorado and co-chairs the Israel, National and Overseas Center of Colorado’s Allied Jewish Federation. As JCRC chair, Chad helped create the organization’s successful inaugural fundraiser. He has also worked to increase positive media exposure for Israel and worked with JCRC professional staff to oversee a “rapid response team” made up of JCRC member agencies and the Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Council. The response team quickly coordinates a community response to issues and situations as they arise. Under Asarch’s leadership, JCRC supported state legislation calling for targeted divestment from companies operating in Sudan, a bill that was signed into law by Governor Ritter. Asarch joined in an emergency mission to Israel in September 2006 to assess the damage in the north after the war in Lebanon. Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado: Ruth and Warren Toltz Young Leadership Award.
Maxine Awner is one of Buffalo, N.Y.’s most active and committed young leaders. She has served as a board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo and is a member of the Young Women’s Division of the United Jewish Fund campaign. She serves on Temple Beth Zion’s Mitzvah Day Committee. Maxine is a vice president at Merrill Lynch. Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies: Ruth & Milton Kahn Young Women's Leadership Award.
Dan Backer serves on the board of Boston’s Combined Jewish Philanthropies, where he is co-chair of the Real Estate, Construction and Design Team. Dan previously served as campaign chair for the team. He has been a board member of the Young Leadership Division, co-chair of the Ben Gurion Society and overall campaign chair. Dan received the Ben Gurion Society Leadership Award in 2005. In addition to his involvement at CJP, Dan is on the UJC National Young Leadership Cabinet and serves as vice chair for Education and Leadership Development. Dan is currently the development chair for the Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister Association and is himself a former Big Brother. Dan is a leasing manager in development for CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. Combined Jewish Philanthropies: Young Leadership Award.
Barry Baker is a board member of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona. He initiated the federation’s Young Men’s Cabinet, has been active in the Cheder scholarship program and AIPAC, and participated in the Men’s Mission to Israel and, most recently, to Washington DC. In 2006 Barry joined the National Young Leadership Cabinet. Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona: Gary I. Sarver Young Man of the Year.
Fay Balk is a founding member of the Young Adult Division board at the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. She is active in the federation’s annual campaign and is a member of the Ben Gurion Society. Fay has worked on a number of initiatives designed to reach out to young professionals, including the new TovKC, which engages participants in learning, social justice and tzedakah. Fay is also a member of the Young Professional Initiative Urban Core affinity group. She is a graduate of the Helzberg Leadership Fellows program, a two-year leadership development initiative. Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City: Dan Fingersh Young Leadership Award.

In just two years, Melissa Barmore has become an integral part of the leadership team at the Madison Jewish Community Council: the Jewish Federation of South Central Wisconsin. She helped start the federation’s new Jewish Networks Group, is a member of the Tzedakah Sunday Committee and is an active solicitor for the Tzedakah Campaign. She is also a member of MJCC’s Strategic Planning, Kids Mitzvah Club, and Future Directions committees. In other volunteer activities, Melissa is the third vice president of the Lions Club-Madison West and is youth advisor to the group’s Leo’s Club. A member of Temple Beth El, Melissa is also a life member of Hadassah. The Jewish Federation of South Central Wisconsin: Miriam Singer Sulman Young Leadership Award.

Shelley Bensussen has served for two years as campaign chair of the Seattle Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy Division and for two terms on the board of Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation. She was co-chair of the synagogue’s Casino Night Fundraiser and of the Jewish Community Center’s luncheon. After three years as the Lion of Judah chair and two years as campaign chair, Shelley will now serve as board chair of the Women’s Philanthropy Division. She is equally active in volunteering with her children’s schools, serving on the boards of the Parent-Teacher Staff Association for Cougar Ridge Elementary School and the Parent-Faculty Teacher Association of the Overlake School in Redmond. She also has served as president of her homeowners association. Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle: Young Leadership Award.

Deborah K. Berg is vice president of community philanthropy for California’s Jewish Federation Orange County and is a past campaign chair for the Young Leadership Division. Deborah is a member of the UJC National Young Leadership Cabinet, serving this year as First Year Class Chair. She has been active in federation for many years, serving as Young Leadership Division director, and now as an Executive Committee board member. Jewish Federation Orange County: Young Leadership Award.

Josh Blank is an active member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland in Portland, Ore. A member of the governing board, Josh was instrumental in helping the federation install a new video security system, and contributed a tremendous amount to its web development, marketing presence, and strategic thinking. Josh is a past chair of the Young Leadership Division and is currently heading efforts to launch a community study and serving as chair of Blue Knot, the affinity group for high-tech professionals. Besides his service to the federation, Josh is working to bring Major League Soccer to Portland. He also volunteers for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, helping with their annual golf tournament and auction. Professionally, Josh is the vice president of business and technology development at BlueTech LLC, which makes software for people in blue collar industries. Jewish Federation of Greater Portland: The Jack W. Olds Young Leadership Award.

Karen Bokor is a board member of the Columbus Jewish Federation, where she joined the executive board in 2007. She is also a member of the Allocations Workgroup and was co-chair of the federation’s Super Sunday event in 2004 and 2005. Karen has been vice president of the Jewish Community Center’s board of trustees and served as board secretary from 2003 to 2005. She is currently a member of the Jewish Community Center and serves on the Northwest and Northeast Project Task Force. She has been a member of the Tifereth Israel board, the Jewish Community Center’s Renovations committee, and the parent committee for Early Childhood Services at the Jewish Community Center. Columbus Jewish Federation: The Therese Stern Kahn & William V. Kahn Young Leadership Award 2006.

Ethan Budin is an active board member of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metro Chicago. He served on the board of the Young Leadership Division from 1999-2004 and served in 2003 as YLD’s campaign vice president. Ethan was the 2004 and 2005 chair of the JUF Financial Division and both 2003 and 2004 chair of JUF Person-to-Person. He has also worked on the JUF campaign, and was vice chair of the Vanguard and YLD Ben Gurion Society. In 2002, Ethan went on a campaign-chair mission to Israel and has also participated in UJC’s Young Leadership conferences. He is a chair of the JUF-JF finance committee and a member of the JUF/JF Community Building & Jewish Continuity commission and the Legacies & Endowments committee. He is an active member of Moriah Congregation. Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metro Chicago: Beatrice P. & Abram D. Davis, Emily & Joseph L. Gidwitz and Beatrice & Morris Glasser Award.

Laura Burstein just began her second year as co-chair of the Young Adult Division of the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County. She has served on the 2007 and 2008 campaign teams and will chair the recruitment effort for the local delegation to National Young Leadership’s Washington 15 Conference this spring. Laura is also an active member of the Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan. Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County: Smokler Young Leadership Award.

Judith Goldkrand Cheskin has given many years of volunteer service to the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties. She is currently president of t he federation’s Women’s Alliance. She also serves on the JCF executive committee and the JCF board of directors. She was a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet of United Jewish Communities and served as Western Region chair. In the greater Jewish community, Judith has served on the executive committee and board of the Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, as chair of the Parent Council of T’enna Preschool and on the board of the Mid-Peninsula Jewish Community Day School. Judith is a Wexner Fellow and has served on the board of the National Council of Jewish Women in New York. Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties: 2007 Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Young Leadership Award for Excellence.

From 2005-2007, Rina Chessin served as chair of the Center for Holocaust Awareness and Information of the Jewish Community Federation of Greater Rochester. While in that position, she also served on the Federation Board of Directors and on the Executive Committee. This year she will chair the Israel and Overseas Allocation Panel and will be active on the Planning and Allocations Committee. In the past, Rina has served on the Federation’s Community Volunteer Recruitment and Development committees, the Finance Committee, the Jewish Education Services Committee and the Futerman Supporting Foundation. Jewish Community Federation of Greater Rochester: Raye K. Aiole Young Leadership Award.

Since 2005, David Clar has chaired the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Community Federation of Greater Rochester. Dave is also a member of the federation board and of the executive committee. He is a past member of the Israel and Overseas Allocations panel, the YLD social committee, the Super Sunday steering committee and two leadership development programs. Dave also sits on the board of Hillel of Rochester-area Colleges. Jewish Community Federation of Greater Rochester: Benjamin Goldstein Young Leadership Award.

Barbara Cohen spearheaded the establishment of and currently chairs the Women’s Philanthropy Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. Previously, Barbara chaired Super Sunday and the major campaign federation kickoff event known as GALA. She has served on numerous federation committees, was a member for six years of the Cedar Sinai Park board where she also chaired several committees. Barbara participated in the 2007 UJC Machar Mission. Jewish Federation of Greater Portland: The Jack W. Olds young Leadership Award.

Ben Cohen is chair of financial resource development for the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, and is campaign chair of the 2007 Combined Jewish Appeal. In 2006, he re-designed the professional divisions for the 2006 CJA campaign. Ben co-chaired Super Sunday for CJA in 1993-94, co-chaired Super Week for the 2005 CJA campaign, and chaired the New Gifts committee in 1995-96 and again in 2004. He served on the board of directors and finance committee of Jewish Child and Family Service in 2004-2005 and is a member of the Herzlia Synagogue Board of Directors and fundraising committee. In other areas, Ben has been a member of the Winnipeg and Canadian Philatelic Society since 1975. He is the president and founder of Oreck Canada and Portable Furnace International. Jewish Federation of Winnipeg: Young Leadership Award.

Chrissie Cohen serves as co-chair of the Sabra Division ($1,000-$1,799) for the Jewish Federation of San Antonio’s Women’s Division campaign. She previously co-chaired the federation’s Young Women’s Division Campaign. Chrissie is first vice president of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of San Antonio and previously served as co-chair of the agency’s annual Mother’s Day luncheon. Chrissie is also serving as co-chair of the annual Gala fund raising event for the Eleanor Kolitz Academy Jewish Day School. Chrissie is a graduate of the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Leadership Development Program and has served on the program’s steering committee. Chrissie is also a past member of the Board of Directors of the Barshop Jewish Community Center. Jewish Federation of San Antonio: The Sylvia F. and Harry Sugerman Young Leadership Award.

Martha Cohen serves on the executive board of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Northern New Jersey and recently became chair of its Israel and World Affairs committee. Martha also participates in the Berrie Fellows Leadership Program, an intensive two-year program of Jewish education and leadership training. Martha is a committed leader at her synagogue, Gesher Shalom, as well as the JCC of Fort Lee, where she serves on the board and the education committee and, with her husband, co-chairs the social action committee. The couple also co-captained a bus on this year’s UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey community mission. Professionally, Martha is an executive producer for the Discovery Kids channel and Animal Planet, where she oversees creative and production elements for numerous shows. She has received five Emmy nominations for her work. UJA Federation Of Northern New Jersey: 2007 Russell Berrie Young Leadership Award.

Robb Cohen is on the board of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. He is a member of the Visioning Senior Engagement task force, working to find ways to connect with Baltimore’s senior population. Robb is also a board member of Jewish Volunteer Connections and the Baltimore Jewish Council. The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore: Harry Greenstein Young Leadership Award.

Seth Cohen has been very active in the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, serving as a member of the Young Leadership Council and chair of the Domestic Planning and Allocations committee. One of the youngest members of the board of trustees, Seth currently serves as vice president of allocations, on the executive committee, and on the board of Jewish Family and Career Services, where he is vice president of board development. Seth is also a member of the Civil Rights committee of the Anti-Defamation League, Southeast Region, and of the board of trustees of Congregation B’nai Torah. Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta: Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award.

Brad Conroy is a member of the Real Estate Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and sits on the division’s Young Leadership executive committee. He is chair and founder of the Real Estate Division’s Young Leadership Development Institute. Brad also sits on the federation’s board of directors and on the Real Estate Cabinet. He is a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet and was also a participant in the Geller Leadership Program. The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles: Julius M. Ratner Young Leadership Award.

Brad Dallet served on the board of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation for six years, and for three years he chaired the Young Men’s Campaign. He is co-chair of the 2008 Annual Campaign’s Super Sunday. In 1994, Brad and his wife Becky organized a high school youth community service program at Congregation Shalom that eventually expanded to include 3 rd through 12 th grades. Brad has also served on the boards of Jewish Family Services and of the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center. Brad is a partner in the Milwaukee law firm of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, S.C., where he concentrates on the practice of real estate law and chairs the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group. Milwaukee Jewish Federation: Benjamin E. Nickoll Men's Young Leadership Award.

Laurie Davidowitz is fundraising chair of the Manhattan Women’s Campaign for UJA-Federation of New York and is a member of the Task Force for Adult Education and the Volunteer Leadership Committee. Laurie has been involved in federation for many years, and has served as chair of the Families Division and portfolio chair for outreach on the Manhattan Women’s Campaign.  In addition, Laurie is a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet and has participated in the past two cabinet missions, one to the Former Soviet Unino and the one to Israel and Ethiopia.  Outside of Laurie’s federation involvement, she sits on the committees of two federation beneficiary agencies, both of which serve the aging population in New York, and is also on the board at Transportation Alternatives. Laurie is a devoted member of Park Avenue Synagogue. UJA-Federation of New York: Martha K. Selig Award.

Amee Faggen’s efforts have been a key factor in the success of the annual It Takes A Woman luncheon, the centerpiece Women’s Department event of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles/Valley Alliance. Amee became involved with the event as a table captain in 2006 and was recruitment chair in 2007. She will be the next co-chair of the luncheon, which last year drew more than 700 women. Amee is very active in fundraising for her children’s school, Valley Beth Shalom Day School, where she has run the annual gala and the scrip program for several years. Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles/Valley Alliance: The Jewish Federation Valley Alliance Women’s Department Juliet Award.

Lisa Feldman is chair of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando. She has served on many committees including, Community Relations, Budget and Allocations, Super Sunday, the Business and Professional Division and Solicitor Training, to name a few.  Over the years, she has volunteered to solicit for the Annual Campaign, Operation Exodus and the Capital Campaign. She also co-chaired the first Choices Women Division event ever held, which is the largest fundraiser for women in the community. Lisa also serves on the National Board of Directors for Project Interchange, a division of the American Jewish Committee. Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando: Byron Selber Young Leadership Award.

The product of a “federation family,” Jill Fenster has served for five years on the Community Planning and Allocations committee of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Currently she serves on the federation’s Campaign Management Team. Jill was the 2006 recipient of the Women’s Division Acknowledging Your Impact award and is vice president of the Young Women’s Forum of the Women’s Division board. She also serves on the board of the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy. Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County: Robert S. and Ceil N. Levy Young Leadership Award.

Sarah Foman is an active member of Women’s Division of the United Jewish Fund and Council of St. Paul, the Jewish Federation of Greater St. Paul. She has chaired the Women’s Forum for the last two years and served on the committee prior to that. Sarah has worked on the Annual Campaign for many years, and has participated in Super Sunday. With her husband Neal, she chaired the first ever “Atid” leadership development program for the Young Leadership Division. She is also very involved at Talmud Torah of St Paul and with the National Council of Jewish Women. United Jewish Fund and Council of St. Paul: Miriam Kaplan Young Leadership Award.

Joshua Force is the incoming missions chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and has served on the federation board for the past six years. Josh chaired the Young Adult Division from 2005-2007. During his term, YAD members worked alongside young adult volunteers from across the country who came to rebuild New Orleans. He also helped to plan and staff the Interfaith Festival of Abraham; assisted at federation campaign events; worked on the Jewish community’s strategic planning; and attended YAD social events.  In addition to chairing YAD locally, Josh has held many portfolios with the UJC National Young Leadership Cabinet, including second year class chair, first year class chair, president, and select committee chair. Josh is a graduate of the 2000-2002 Lemann-Stern Young Leadership Class.  Outside of federation, he serves on the boards of Hillel and ADL. Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans: Herbert J. & Margot Garon Young Leadership Award.

Frederic Fox is a prominent leader in the Philadelphia Jewish community and in the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. He is past chair of the Philadelphia’s Men’s Cabinet, co-founder of the Philadelphia Israeli Network, and a member of the prestigious international Young Presidents Organization. Fred is passionate about Jewish education and serves as chair of the federation’s Day School Task Force. He has also served as a member of the Gratz College Board of Directors since 1998, and has chaired the Strategic Planning Committee since 2003. Fred is an active member of the growing Chabad community in Chester County, serving on the group’s board of directors and building fund committee. He has been a member of the Chester County Jewish Business Network Advisory Committee since 2002. Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia: Myer and Rosaline Feinstein Young Leadership Award 2006.

Ilene Franco is a past participant of the Jewish Leadership Development Program, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of San Antonio, and currently serves on the program’s steering committee. Ilene is a graduate of the federation-sponsored Limudim Jewish learning and leadership program. She serves on the federation board and is co-chair of the Pomegranate division of the Women’s Division Campaign. She previously co-chaired the Women’s Campaign Sabra Division and was event chair for the Young Women’s Division Campaign. Ilene has also served on the board of the Eleanor Kolitz Academy Jewish Day School, where she chaired numerous fundraising and program committees. Jewish Federation of San Antonio: The Mike Levy Young Leadership Award.

Joel Freedman is on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and also sits on the board of its Center for Social Responsibility.  For the past 13 years, Joel has served in several capacities, including as president of Jewish Community Homes for Adult Independence from 1998-2001. He is also a on the board of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia and Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El Synagogue. In addition, Joel is a past member of the UJC Young Leadership Cabinet. Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia: Jack Goldenberg Young Leadership Award 2006.

A physician and community leader, Linda Fresco graduated in 2003 from the Young Women’s Cabinet of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona. Since then, she has moved into many leadership roles. A participant in the Saul Tobin Leadership Institute, Linda started the Women’s Maimonides Group in 2005, and was on the steering committee of the Women and Family Health Fair. She was most recently co-chair of Women’s Division Connections 2007, and serves on the JCC Board of Directors. This past year, Linda was recognized as one of the Women’s Division “extraordinary women.” Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona: Gary I. Sarver Young Women of the Year.

Maggie Gallant serves as vice chair of the Young Entertainment Division of UJA-Federation of New York and recently chaired the UJA-Federation 90th Anniversary Rosenwald Mission to Israel. She is the founder of Spotlight Communications, a lifestyle and entertainment public relations and event planning firm in New York City. Appearing on cable and network news and in newspapers and magazines across the country, Maggie is regularly interviewed on cultural trends. UJA-Federation of New York: The Morris L. Levinson Award.

Alan M. Gallatin is a trustee of UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey and a member of the campaign cabinet. He is currently serving his second year as chair of Super Sunday, having previously co-chaired the Kesher synagogue campaign initiative and the Young Leadership Division campaign. Alan recently completed his tenure on UJC’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, where he served as a vice chair in his final year. He is currently a national campaign trainer. Alan was a member of the inaugural class of the Berrie Fellows Leadership Program. He is a member of Temple Israel in Ridgewood, N.J., where he serves on its ritual committee. UJA Federation Of Northern New Jersey: 2006 Russell Berrie Young Leadership Award.

Rebecca Gold has been instrumental in cultivating new gifts and relationships, especially among women. She serves on the board of UJC MetroWest of New Jersey and on the board and executive committee of the Women’s Department. She is also a member of the UJA and Women’s Campaign cabinets. Rebecca is the Women’s Campaign vice chair for Young Women B’Yachad, as well as a member of the Young Leadership Council and the National Young Leadership Cabinet. This year she will serve on the UJC executive committee and the United Allocations committee. Rebecca is the outreach chair for Morris County’s Jewish Outreach Institute, and has been an active volunteer at the JCC preschool and kindergarten in Whippany. She is a member of Morristown Jewish Center Beit Yisrael, where she serves on the Youth Programs Committee. United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ: Julius and Bessie Cohn Young Leadership Award.

As a board member of Jewish Family & Career Services, the American Jewish Committee, and the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, Randy Gold works to improve life in Jewish Atlanta. Randy was selected to participate in the Wexner Heritage Program, which aims to educate Jewish communal leaders in the history, thought, traditions and contemporary challenges of the Jewish people. He recently served as chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Annual Campaign phone-a-thon and is currently serving as kickoff chair for the 2008 campaign. Randy is a previous recipient of the Jewish Family & Career Service’s Herbert Cohn Meritorious Service Award, and has been featured as a “Rising Star” on the cover of American Jewish Life Magazine. Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta: Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award.

Jeff Goldberg is on the board of the Jewish Community Federation of Louisville, where he chairs the Planning and Allocations committee. He has also served on the board of the Jewish Community Center. Jeff is a graduate of both the federation’s LEADS and Young Leadership Development programs. Jewish Community Federation of Louisville: Lewis W. Cole Memorial Young Leadership Award.

Robert Goldberg is president of the Center for Jewish Education at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. He has been the treasurer of CJE and a member of their board since 2004. Bob is currently a member of the Jewish Community Center board and was a committee member for its Jewish Arts Festival. He has worked on the Annual Campaign for many years and was a member of the Jewish Omaha Leadership Training class of 2003. Bob sits on the grant selection committee of the federation’s Esther K. Newman/Carolyn Kully Newman Memorial Funds and is president of the advisory committee of Chabad of Nebraska. Jewish Federation of Omaha: Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award.

Susan Golden has been an extremely active volunteer with the Jewish Community Board of Akron, the Beth EL Congregation and the Lippmann Day School. She has served on the JCBA board and Campaign Cabinet for a number of years. She has served on the JCBA Women’s Board since 1999 (with one year off due to term limits). As part of the Women’s Board, she was co-chair of the Women’s Pacesetter Division for four years. She is currently the group’s first vice president and will be its next president. Jewish Community Board of Akron: Emanuel R. Isroff Leadership Award.

Stephanie Goldman-Pittel is a trustee of the Women’s Division of UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey and was the 2005 recipient of the Women’s Division Rising Star award. She has served as the division’s vice president, and for the past two years has co-chaired the Young Women’s Division, which recently elected her outreach chair. From 2000 to the present, Stephanie has served on the board of the JCC of the Palisades, where she was chair of Contributory Membership and was active with the nursery school. She also chaired “events and socials” for the JCC Maccabi Games of 2003. Stephanie is entering her third year on the UJC National Young Leadership Cabinet. She is a participant in the Berrie Fellows Leadership program and a recipient of the 2006 Russell Berrie Young Leadership Award. In other areas, she has served as treasurer for the Dwight-Englewood Lower School and was recently elected to the board of Lighthouse International, where she chairs the school committee. Stephanie is an active member of Temple Emanu-el in Closter, N.J.UJA Federation Of Northern New Jersey: 2006Russell Berrie Young Leadership Award.

Lisa Benjamin Goodgame has been actively involved in the Austin Jewish community since relocating in 2004. She is assistant community director of the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Austin. Both are part of the Jewish Community Association of Austin. Lisa began her community involvement as a volunteer for the Austin Jewish Book Fair, for which she later served as marketing chair. She was co-chair of the book fair in 2006 and 2007. Lisa is a 2006 graduate of the JCAA’s Young Austin Leadership Alliance and served two years on the Young Adult Division committee. She has also worked actively to promote campaign events to the community. Her devotion to the Jewish community earned Lisa the Hymie and Louise Samuelson Young Leadership Award in 2007. Jewish Community Association of Austin: Hymie and Louise Samuelson Young Leadership Award.

Stephanie Ludmer Gross sits on the executive board of the Young Professionals Division of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and on the federation’s Women’s Connection board. She is on the JCC’s Children’s Activity committee and a member of J Associates, a JCC support auxiliary. She is a previous board member of the National Council of Jewish Women, a previous committee member of the St. Louis Jewish Film Festival and a life member of Hadassah. Stephanie is currently working for Voyager Career Solutions. Jewish Federation of St. Louis: David N. and Roselin Grosberg Young Leadership Award.

Matt Grossman is on the board of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, where he is assistant treasurer of the executive committee. He also serves as Men’s Division co-chair for the Annual Campaign and is chair of the Allocations committee. He is an active member of the Ben Gurion Society, the Enterprise Circle and Congregation Beth Ahabah. As chair of the Young Adult Division of the 2006 UJA Jewish Welfare Fund Campaign, Matt was honored for helping to achieve a 52 percent increase in giving among contributors under 45. Jewish Community Federation of Richmond: William B. Thalhimer, Sr. Young Leadership Award.

Russell Grossman has been actively involved with the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles for the last 10 years. He currently serves as chair of the Financial Services Division, as a member of the steering committee for the federation’s Tekiah Circle giving level, as a participant in the Platinum One leadership program, and chair of the federation’s Poverty task force. Russell began his involvement with the federation’s Planning and Allocations committee, where he continues to play an active role. His contribution to the Jewish community and the Los Angeles community at large includes leadership roles at the Weizmann Institute of Science, the Washington Institute, the Eisner Pediatric and Family Medical Center, UNICEF, the Brentwood School and Cedars Sinai Medical Center. An established financial services executive, he presently serves as senior managing director of Bernstein Global Wealth Management. The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles: Julius M. Ratner Young Leadership Award.

Originally from Calgary, Alex Halpern has been an active and innovative student leader since coming to McGill University. He is particularly dedicated to Israel advocacy and served as Israel Chair at Hillel Montreal in 2005-06, before becoming its vice president, External. Alex is now active at the national level and is incoming president of the Canadian Federation of Jewish Students. Federation of the Combined Jewish Appeal, Montreal: Ruth & Michael Rosenthal Family Student Leadership Award.

 

 

 

 
 
 

Steven Hurwitz works on finding new ways to engage his peers in the work of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. He is co-chair of the Network, the federation’s new under-40 division, and has played a critical role this past year in launching and implementing this outreach effort. Steven is a past member of the federation board and executive committee. Within the Real Estate Network, he has served on the committees for Sunset Over Miami and the speaker series. Greater Miami Jewish Federation: Sandra C. Goldstein Young Leadership Award.

Melissa S. Johnson is a long-time volunteer with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Missy currently serves on the federation board, is vice president for Women’s Philanthropy, and co-chair of Team BGS. She has also chaired Super Sunday and the Business & Professional Women’s Division. In other areas, Missy is a trustee of the Jo Cooper Foundation, secretary of the Plymouth Elementary PTO and formerly served on the Girl Scouts board. Missy is general counsel/vice president of human resources for Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia: Mrs. Isidore Kohn Young Leadership Award.

Irina Kaganovsky-Green is a member of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas.  Irina has served as a member and chair of JewEL (Jewish Emerging Leaders). She is a proud member of UJC’s National Young Leadership Cabinet. In addition, she is also a member of Women’s Philanthropy.  Irina serves on the Board of Directors for the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas.  Professionally, Irina is a financial specialist with Lovitt & Touche.  She is married to Daniel and has one child.  Jewish Federation of Las Vegas: Emerging Leadership Award

Amy Kasson grew up in a “federation family” and over the course of over 11 years, was actively involved with UJA-Federation of NY. She held several positions in the New York federation’s Young Leadership Division and co-chaired the Wall Street Leadership board. When she moved to New Jersey in 2004, she became involved in the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey, where she currently serves on the board of directors and its strategic planning committee. She is currently co-chair of Super Sunday, liaison to the federation’s Somerset division and a Lion of Judah.  Amy has been an active member of UJC National Young Leadership Cabinet since 2002. She is also fundraising chair at Mountaintop Preschool. Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey: Young Leadership Award.

For nearly a decade, Robert Kelen has been involved in the Jewish community, especially with the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. A federation board member, Robert serves on the board of the Jewish Community Foundation and is co-chairing the Human Services Planning Commission. He also sits on the marketing committee, the Unrestricted Grants committee and the Funding & Review committee. Extremely active in federation’s Young Leadership Division, Robert has participated in numerous events that showed him firsthand how federation dollars make a difference overseas. An active Campaign worker and Super Sunday volunteer, Robert is a graduate of the Harry Kay Leadership Institute, a two-year program to enhance participants’ Jewish and communal knowledge and leadership skills. In addition, he is a member of Shir Tikvah synagogue and serves on the boards of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service and Camp Odayin for children with heart disease. Minneapolis Jewish Federation: Tychamn Award for Young Leadership.

Wayne D. Kimmel is on the boards of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network and the Jewish Relief Agency.  He also manages the Kimmel-Spiller Foundation. Wayne is a managing partner of ETF Venture Funds, a top-performing, early-stage venture capital fund. Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia: Jack Goldenberg Young Leadership Award 2007.

Ellyce W. Kimmelman is actively involved in the El Paso Jewish community and the El Paso Jewish Federation. Ellyce has been involved in the federation Annual Campaign for many years and is currently board president of the El Paso Jewish Academy. She has been involved with the National Council of Jewish Women, B’nai Zion Sisterhood and Chabad Women’s Organization, and was also involved with the resettlement of Russian Jews in El Paso. Jewish Federation of El Paso: Bernard & Florence Schoichet Young Leadership Award.

Diane Kleinman is a life member of Hadassah and National Council of Jewish Women, and an active and generous participant in the Fort Worth/Tarrant County Federation. She has served on the boards of the Jewish Education Agency, Beth El Congregation and the El Paso National Council of Jewish Women. She is a graduate and advisory committee member of the Melton School and volunteers at Trinity Valley School. In addition to serving on several committees at her synagogue, Diane recently co-chaired the Hadassah Donor Luncheon. Jewish Federation of Fort Worth & Tarrant County: Lou and Madlyn Barnett Young Leadership Award.

Laura Koffsky is a board member of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and serves on the Women’s Department Campaign Cabinet, where she holds the position of vice president of Area Campaign Development. She also serves on the Women’s Department executive committee. A strong believer in the value of Jewish education, Laura is on the executive committee of the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education and vice chair of the CAJE board. She is also deeply involved with Temple Beth Am, where she serves on the boards of the synagogue and day school. Greater Miami Jewish Federation: Stanley C. Myers Presidents’ Young Leadership Award.

Samuel Konig arrived in Montreal five years ago by way of Copenhagen and Vienna. He was an active student and then professional leader at Hillel Montreal, where he was outreach chair. He later joined the Hillel staff as program coordinator at Concordia University Program. He has been involved, as well, with the Hillel-affiliated Ghetto Shul, the Canadian Jewish Congress, the Canadian Federation of Jewish Students, and the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre. He has also been a youth coordinator and board member at the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue. Federation of the Combined Jewish Appeal, Montreal: Jon Roskies Award for New Leadership.

Bryan Kort’s dedication to the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix includes having served as a board member of the Young Leadership Division and as a member of the Campaign Leadership Cabinet.  He was co-chair of last year’s Men’s Night Out event and will co-chair the event again in 2008.  He currently serves on the Jewish Community Foundation board and is chair of the foundation’s grants committee. Bryan’s other involvement in the Jewish community includes having served as a member of the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center’s Membership task force, acting as a Jewish National Fund event table captain, and coaching his son in the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center’s Youth Basketball League. Bryan is a founding shareholder of Western National Bank. Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix: Sy Clark Young Leadership Award.

Since 2005, Michael Koss has been a board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and has served on its Finance and Allocations committees. He was recently named the board chair of the federation’s Outreach Department, and from 2005-06 was co-chair of both the Bernstein Leadership Group (the federation’s young leadership development program) and the federation’s lunchtime lecture series. He has also been a member of the Campaign Cabinet for the past five years. A graduate of Leadership South Carolina and a member of the current class of Leadership Charlotte, Michael’s commitments extend to the larger community. He serves on the board of the University of South Carolina’s Friends of the Accounting Department, and is involved with Mecklenburg Ministries, a local organization that focuses on interfaith dialogue and social justice. Michael also volunteers as an emergency medical technician. Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte: Young Leadership Award.

Shelly Kupfer is in her third year chairing the Women’s Affinity for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.  She is an energetic campaigner who has helped connect many previously uninvolved individuals with federation and other Jewish institutions.  She joined the board of the federation this year, and also serves on the boards of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning, and the Jewish Primary Day School of the Nation’s Capital.  She serves as a member of the Jewish Agency for Israel’s North American Council and a member of the National Young Leadership Women’s Cabinet.  The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington: Jerome J. Dick Young Leadership Award.

Kate Latts is serving her second term as co-chair of the Young Adult Division of the Jewish Community Federation of Louisville. She is secretary of the federation board and also serves on its executive board. Kate is a graduate of the Federation’s Young Leadership Development Program and is a past chair of the Ben Gurion Society and the federation’s Shalom Committee. She has served on the board of the Jewish Hospital Foundation and is currently president of the Temple Early Childhood Education Center. Jewish Community Federation of Louisville: Joseph J. Kaplan Young Leadership Award.

Adam Laver is vice chair of the Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia and vice chancellor of the Louis D. Brandeis Law Society.  He also sits on the boards of the Committee of Seventy, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, and Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel.  Adam is co-chair of the Jewish Law Day Committee.  He is also an active member of the Israel Bonds Real Estate & Financial Services Division committee. A third-year member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet, Adam currently serves as the cabinet’s communications co-chair and is responsible for the publication of Nachshon.  Locally, Adam serves on the federation’s Policy, Strategy and Funding committee, and is actively involved in Young Leadership’s Renaissance Group. Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia: Myer and Rosaline Feinstein Young Leadership Award 2006.

Andi Levin is president of New Jersey’s Jewish Geriatric Home Auxiliary at Lions Gate and is a board vice president of the Jewish Family & Children’s Service. She is a member of the Federation Funds Development Team at the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey and is currently on the executive committee and Long Range Planning committee for Jewish Senior Housing and Healthcare Service. She has also chaired the federation’s Super Sunday and served as a vice-chair of the Young Leadership Council. Andi was honored by the Jewish Geriatric Home, receiving its Ethel J. David Award for service. She is on the board at Temple Beth Sholom and has been active in the Stockton School PTA and the local Girl Scouts. Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey: The Shellie Greenspun Young Leadership Award.

Abby Levin has been involved with UJA-Federation of New York and other Jewish community causes for several years. She is founder and chair of the federation’s Generosity committee. Abby’s interests lay primarily with children and special education. As a teacher, she has lent her time and services to the Jewish Child Care Association. UJA-Federation of New York: The Ludwig Jesselson Award.

Suzi Levine helped found and serves as board president of the Kavana Cooperative, a new Jewish community group in Seattle. She also serves as vice president in charge of the personnel committee at the University of Washington Hillel. Suzi previously served on the board of the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and on the University of Washington Hillel board. At that time, she headed a new gift development group within Hillel’s capital campaign and launched a major new fundraising vehicle. On the national level, she is participating in a think tank with Synagogue3000 and was a Max Fisher Fellow with UJC, participating in the first group of “Flight”. In other community work, Suzi helped co-found and is chair of development for I-LABS, the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences at the University of Washington. She is a former vice president of sales and marketing for Expedia’s luxury travel division. Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle: Young Leadership Award.

Karyn Cohen Leviton sits on the board of Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, where she is co-chair of Strategic Planning Participation and Engagement. Karyn was the 2007 chair of the Young Leadership Division and the 2006 YLD Campaign chair. She has participated on the YLD board since 2004 and is a graduate of the Kadimah program, which she will chair in 2008. In addition to her leadership roles, Karyn is a prolific annual campaigner and introduced a variety of initiatives to recruit new campaigners and solicit donors for YLD. Karyn is a senior manager for Transformation Consulting for Cap Gemini. Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston: Young Leadership Award.

Karen Levitt has been a leader in the Pittsburgh Jewish Community for more than 15 years, earning recognition for her talent at community relations. She began in the Young Adult Division of the United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh and eventually became chair of that affinity group. Currently Karen sits on the board of the Hillel Jewish University Center and on the federation’s Jewish Learning Commission, Community Leadership Development Committee, and Community and Public Affairs Public Education Task Force. Karen is an educator who frequently offers her professional skills to facilitate community-wide meetings. United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh: Stark Award. 

Michael Levy was born in Pretoria, South Africa and emigrated to the United States in 1979. In addition to sitting on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, he is a co-chair of the Bureau of Jewish Education’s Gift of Israel committee, board member of the American Jewish Committee, participant in the Wexner Leadership Program and former chair of federation’s Young Adult Division. A certified financial planner and certified investment management consultant, he is a partner at McNeil, Levy and Friedman, L.P. Jewish Federation of Greater Houston: Ben Susholtz Award.

David Lewis is currently the congregational liaison for the Nashville Jewish Federation. He has served on the federation board and participated in the federation’s Jewish Leadership Nashville. David is treasurer of the Gordon Jewish Community Center, where he serves on the executive committee and chairs the Budget committee. He is the immediate past president of Akiva Community Day School and currently serves as the chair of Akiva’s development committee. David has served on the board and executive committee of Temple Ohabai Shalom, and chaired the temple’s Long Range Planning committee, Personnel committee, Cemetery Planning committee, and Constitution committee. Jewish Federation of Nashville & Middle Tennessee: Young Leadership Award.

Caren R. Lichter has long been active with The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. She currently suits on the board of Jewish Family Services, the Jewish Big Brother Big Sister Leauge, the Baltimore Jewish Council, and Jewish Volunteer Connections, a board that she will chair next year. She is also co-chair of the Leadership Services committee, where she reaches out to the unaffiliated and under- affiliated Jews to engage them in the community. Because of Caren’s knowledge of the Baltimore Jewish community, she is able to connect people to their passions. The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore: Harry Greenstein Young Leadership Award.

Howard Manis is actively involved in many aspects of the Jewish community, on both the local and national level.  He is entering his fourth year as a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet.  While on the cabinet, he served as the National Young Leadership co-chair of the 2005 Summer Mission to Israel.  Locally, Howard has served for seven years as a board member of the Memphis Jewish Federation.  He is currently the federation’s vice president of engagement.  Previously Howard served as co-chair of the Young Adult Division and also chaired the Super Sunday Campaign. This year Howard was awarded the Rabbi Arie Becker Young Leadership Award.  Howard also serves as a board member for the Temple Israel Brotherhood and chairs its annual golf fundraiser. In his free time, Howard coaches youth basketball at the JCC. Memphis Jewish Federation: Rabbi Arie Becker Young Leadership Award.

Since traveling to Israel three years ago, Greg Meisel has devoted a tremendous amount of time to UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey. In 2006, he co-chaired the men’s mission and a community-wide mega-trip in 2007. And Greg already has 60 men signed up for another men’s mission to Poland and Israel in 2008. In addition, he is a federation trustee, treasurer of Temple Emanu-el in Closter and recipient of the 2007 Russ Berrie Young Leadership Award. A Portfolio Management director at Citi Smith Barney in New York, Greg is a principal in the Gerson Guarino and Meisel Group, a private wealth-management financial planning team. UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey: 2007 Russell Berrie Young Leadership Award.

Julie Mintz shows her commitment to Jewish life through her myriad communal activities in northwest Indiana. Most recently, Julie has been instrumental in the rebirth of the community youth program, where her involvement has been an example for community children. Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana: Dr. Emanuel Marcus Memorial Leadership Award.

Mindy Mitzner is on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and is a longtime community leader. She is past board chair of the Robert M. Beren Academy, a board member and past president of the sisterhood of United Orthodox Synagogues, and past co-chair of the State of Israel Bonds New Leadership division. Mindy also holds a professional position at Severn Acres Jewish Senior Care Services. Jewish Federation of Greater Houston: Barbara A. Falik Award.

Heidi Monkarsh is an outstanding young leader in the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Her many roles in the Women’s Campaign include: chair of the Dollar-a-Day Division, chair of the Women’s Social Action Network, Lion of Judah chair, co-chair of Lion-of-Judah’s Washington conference, and vice-chair of the Women’s Campaign. Heidi also has served on the National Young Leadership Cabinet and is part of the federation’s Platinum One Leadership Group. For 2008, Heidi is the Lion of Judah endowment co-chair and is co-chair, with her husband, of the General Campaign’s Tekiah Circle. Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles: Doris Factor Young Leadership Award.

Joanne Moore is serving her third year as co-chair of the Next Generation Affinity group for The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and has been a driving force in leading, motivating and engaging others. She joined the federation board this yea, and serves on several committees, including the Washington-Moscow Partnership, Operation Promise, and the Missions committee.  She has held leadership positions in the National Young Leadership Women’s Cabinet including having served as Washington co-chair for Washington 15.  She is also a leader in the Jewish Federation of Richmond, where she received the Virginia V. Binswanger Young Leadership Award. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington: Jerome J. Dick Young Leadership Award.

Mitch Nelles is newly elected to the board of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. He also serves on the Adult Commission for BBYO and on the board of Milwaukee’s Hillel Foundation. Mitch was the 2007 co-chair of the federation’s Young Men’s Campaign, a member of the Economic Forum Planning committee, and a member of the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle advisory committee. He is also continuing to work Young Jewish Adults of Milwaukee. Mitch is the 2008 annual campaign chair of the Contest, Milwaukee’s annual campaign. Mitch now serves as a sales executive and on-air producer for Milwaukee’s ESPN Radio. Milwaukee Jewish Federation: Benjamin E. Nickoll Men's Young Leadership Award.

Holly Nelson was co-president of the Home and School Association at the Early Childhood Education Center at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El in Philadelphia. She has since served on the board of the temple’s sisterhood. Her involvement with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia includes serving as past local chair of the Women’s Cabinet, vice president of Women’s Philanthropy, and chair of a new Women’s Leadership Development Forum. She is also a Lion of Judah. In spring 2006, Holly joined other women on a mission to Israel visiting youth at risk, feeding the hungry, and meeting with injured soldiers. In addition to her federation work, Holly is co-president of the Parent Teacher Association at Perelman Jewish Day School. Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia: Mrs. Isidore Kohn Young Leadership Award 2006.

After nearly four years living in Israel, Eric Norber returned to the U.S. and settled in Orlando, Fla., where he became involved in federation. He has served as chair of Or Hadash, the Young Leadership Division, and on the Budget and Allocations committee. He has also served on the JCC board and mentored dozens of people into involvement with the federation. An accomplished airline and commercial pilot, Eric owns ELJ Aviation, a company that provides private jet management and travel. The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando: Or Hadash Young Leadership Award.

David Nudleman is on the board of the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County. He is also a vice president at Congregation Ahavath Sholom. David is a former vice president of B’nai B’rith, past president of Tarrant County Hebrew Free Loan, and past Chairman of Jewish Family services. David’s family represents four generations in the Fort Worth Jewish community. Jewish Federation of Fort Worth & Tarrant County: Leon and Fay Brachman Young Leadership Award.

Sharyl Paley serves on the boards of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and Jewish Beginnings Lubavitch preschool, an MJF constituent agency. Sharyl is an officer of the federation’s Women’s Division and 2008 Annual Campaign co-chair of the Healing Arts Division. She is also involved with the March of Dimes and the Milwaukee Ballet. Sharyl is a pediatrician with Bayshore Pediatrics, part of the Children’s Medical Group, and serves as assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Sharyl’s favorite volunteer activity is serving as camp doctor at JCC Steve & Shari Sadek Family Camp Interlaken for one week every summer. Milwaukee Jewish Federation: Ann Agulnick Young Leadership Award.

Ron Perry serves on the board of the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County ( Ann Arbor, Mich.) and is a solicitor for the campaign. In 2006, Ron founded the local chapter of A Hope for Peace, and continues to chair this project that encourages peaceful dialogue about the Middle East conflict. He has been active in the Young Adult Division, and he and his wife Julie are co-chairs of the Night of Hilarity and Charity, the Young Adult Division campaign event. Recently, Ron has become part of the Michigan Israel Business Bridge, a new effort to strengthen economic ties between Israel and Michigan, and this past August he joined the National Young Leadership Cabinet. Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County: Smokler Young Leadership Award.

Tracey Pliskin has been actively involved with the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado for many years. In March 2007, she co-chaired Super Sunday, and she has served as chair of the federation’s Young Women’s Initiative. Tracey co-chaired the Pomegranate Society, while also serving on the board of the Jewish Women’s Philanthropy Center. In 2005, Tracey co-chaired CHOICES, federation’s largest women-only fundraising and outreach event. Nationally, she is in her fourth year of the National Young Leadership Cabinet, and serves on the national Ben-Gurion Society Advisory Council. Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado: Charlotte Tucker Young Leadership Award.

Lezlie Poyastro is associated secretary of the board of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and sits on the Campaign Cabinet, where she’s been co-chair of the Major Gifts Guardian Division. In addition, Lezlie is currently South Dade campaign chair, serves on the board of Greenfield Day School, is past chair of the South Dade Jewish Leadership Council and led Miami’s delegation to the 2006 General Assembly. Lezlie participated in the Solidarity Mission to Israel following the Second Lebanon War. Greater Miami Jewish Federation: Robert Russell Fellows Award.

Debbie Rosmarin is on the Executive Committee of the UJA Federation of Greenwich and has served on the board and women’s division boards for eight years.  Most recently, she served as Women's Division campaign chair and was a host family for the Young Israeli Emissaries program.  UJA Federation of Greenwich: Young Leadership Award.

Carrie Rudder is on the board of the Jewish Federation of Broward County and currently serves as co-chair of Missions. She represents the federation on the National Young Leadership Cabinet. In addition to other federation committees, Carrie serves on Kolot, which addresses issues relating to domestic violence. Jewish Federation of Broward County: Jerry “Zvi” Wolf Young Leadership Award.

Gregg Russo is a vice president of United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey and serves on the UJC MetroWest executive committee, the board of trustees, and the Campaign Cabinet. He is the UJC Missions chair and a member of the Unified Allocations Council and the Super Sunday committee. A former chair of the Young Leadership Division and the Arthur Borinsky Young Leadership Development Program, Gregg is also on the board of the Hebrew Academy of Morris County Board. United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey: Julius and Bessie Cohn Young Leadership Award.

Marty Scheck is on the board of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s North Dade/Aventura branch as well as the federation’s Leadership Council. A past chair and campaign chair, Marty was also co-chair of the Summer Family Mission in 2005 and 2006. He is an alumnus of the National Young Leadership Cabinet and has served on the boards of the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) and Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus. He serves on the executive board and is project manager of the expansion project of the Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School. Greater Miami Jewish Federation: Stanley C. Myers Presidents’ Young Leadership Award.

Kristin Schultz has served as Leadership co-vice president, B’not Kehillah co-chair, and on the Women’s Division board of Greater Kansas City. She also served as Super Sunday atmosphere co-chair and on the TovKC marketing committee. Kristin participated in the Tel Aviv One mission and then became involved in the Young Leadership Forum of Partnership 2000, serving as co-chair of the Artists Exchange Project. Kristin has also served as co-chair of the Beth Shalom Sisterhood Torah Fund and on the ECE-Innovative Approaches to Congregational Learning committee. Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City: Dan Fingersh Young Leadership Award.

Alon Shemesh is secretary of the board of the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley in South Bend, Ind. Alon has served on the board for three years, has been a solicitor for Super Sunday and the Annual Campaign, has co-chaired the federation’s Teen/Youth committee, and has served on the Nominating committee. Alon and his family are members of Sinai Synagogue, where he is a teacher in the religious school. Having grown up in Israel, he understands how difficult it can be to adjust to American life. Because of this, he and his family have dedicated themselves for the past seven years as host family for the Community Israeli Shaliach Program. Dr. Shemesh is a respected dentist. Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley: Robert Simon Leadership Award.

Mimi Silverman has worked on the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign for many years and serves on the board of the National Council for Jewish Women. Mimi is head of a task force from Temple Israel to support refugees from Darfur, and she helped to organize the collection of goods to aid survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Mimi is also a vice president of Women of Reform Judaism. Jewish Federation of Omaha: Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award.

Michael Soll serves on the board of Next Generation/Or Hadash, Orlando’s young Jewish professionals organization. He also serves as the group’s outreach co-chair, following a term as co-chair of the Social Committee. Outside of Or Hadash, Michael serves on the board of the Hebrew Day School of Central Florida and has been involved with Jewish Family Service in communities where he has lived prior to Orlando. With his peers in Or Hadash, Michael is passionate about re-imaging the perception of YAD-like organizations as relevant and vibrant social alternatives for young Jews seeking to enter philanthropy gradually and with a strong foundation in Jewish life, education and culture. Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando: Or Hadash Young Leadership Award.

Susie Sorkin is very active in the Jewis h Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin & Sonoma Counties. She has served as president and Campaign chair of the Nort h Peninsula Women’s Alliance, and as c hair of t he Women’s Alliance strategic planning committee. Susie was also an active member of t he National Young Leaders hip Cabinet. Her last portfolio wit h the cabinet was wit h t he American Jewis h Joint Distribution Committee as a board observer. Susie is currently on t he board of t he Ronald C. Wornick Jewis h Day School. S he is a recent graduate of t he Wexner Heritage Program and t he 2006 recipient of t he Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Young Leaders hip. Susie previously worked for many years in advertising. Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties: 2006 Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Young Leadership Award for Excellence.

Alex Tselos is an active member of the St. Paul Jewish community, serving on the boards of Hillel at the University of Minnesota, Beth Jacob Congregation and the United Jewish Fund and Council. In March 2006, Alex and his wife traveled to Israel to participate in the Tel Aviv One Conference. Alex participated in Super Sunday, and also made calls on behalf of the Israel Emergency Campaign this past summer. In addition, Alex co-chaired the Washington Mission this past June. United Jewish Fund and Council of St. Paul: Dr. David Tenenbaum Young Leadership Award.

Brian Tuckerman is president of the board of Temple Israel and a board member of the Temple Israel Foundation. He sits on the board of the Columbus Jewish Federation and has participated in the federation’s Leadership 21 program and the Operation Promise mission in 2004. He was co-chair of the Jewish Community Center’s annual fundraising gala in 2002, as well as Temple Israel’s annual fundraiser. In the past he has served as vice president and secretary of Temple Israel. Columbus Jewish Federation: The Therese Stern Kahn & William V. Kahn Young Leadership Award 2007.

Warren Werbitt has been a dedicated leader at the Federation of the Combined Jewish Appeal in Montreal. In 2005, he chaired the Ben Gurion Society of the Young Leadership Campaign and was instrumental in doubling its membership. In 2006, he chaired the Young Leadership Campaign and under his direction, young leadership gifts increased by 10 percent. Warren led the first Young Leadership Campaign mission to Israel. He is currently vice chair of National Young Leadership for UIA Federations Canada. He is also an active volunteer on behalf of the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Federation of the Combined Jewish Appeal, Montreal: YAD Leadership Award.

Amy Wildstein has been involved for more than a decade with the Jewish Federation of Greater Miami. She began in the Young Leadership Division, where she served on the board. She is currently co-chair of The Network, where this past year she co-chaired the portfolio for women’s involvement. Amy spent a year participating in the federation’s strategic planning process as part of the Community Resources Work Group. Amy serves on the federation board and campaign cabinet and was recently selected as a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet. She is a past board member of Jewish Community Services and is active with the Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus. Greater Miami Jewish Federation: Sandra C. Goldstein Young Leadership Award.

Adam Winick is on the board of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metro Chicago and a former director of the JUF Young Leadership Division. He is the 2007 chair of the JUF Real Estate/Building Trades division and has been actively involved in the JUF Campaign for a number of years, including Vanguard, country club and synagogue events, and the YLD Ben Gurion Society. Adam also was a leader of a YLD Dialogues group and has been a participant on and this year a chair of JUF Nachshon Missions to Israel. Adam is also co-chairing the new JUF initiative with JDC-the SELF program to help communities in Eastern Europe become more self-sufficient. He is a member of the JUF-JF Finance and Missions committees, JFMC Facilities Corporation, the Community Building & Jewish Continuity commission and Governing Commission of the Hillels of Illinois. Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metro Chicago: Beatrice P. & Abram D. Davis, Emily & Joseph L. Gidwitz and Beatrice & Morris Glasser Award.

Pamela Wohl is the co-founder and co-chair of Generosity, a division of the Emerging Leaders and Philanthropists of UJA-Federation of New York. Pamela has served in this role since the group’s inception in 2004. Additionally, Pamela was co-chair of the Generosity signature event in January 2005. In March 2007, she traveled to Cuba with UJA-Federation of New York and is the co-chair of the Mission to Argentina in February 2008. Pamela was most recently made a new member of the Emerging Leaders and Philanthropists Strategic Council. UJA-Federation of New York : The William Rosenwald Award.

Mark E. Yadgaroff is chair of the Business and Professions Division of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. He also serves on the federation board and is vice President of the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Day School. He is a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet and a member of the Young Presidents Organization. Prior to being named chair of B&P, Mark co-chaired the first and second Men's Nite Out events, which helped raise additional dollars for federation. Mark led the B&P Division this year to unprecedented Annual Campaign donations of more than $1 million. He is senior managing director of the southeast region of Bernstein’s Private Client practice. Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County: Robert S. & Ceil N. Levy Young Leadership Award.

Sheldon L. Yellen serves on the board the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies in Buffalo, N.Y., and has served as chair of the United Jewish Fund Young Men’s Division. Sheldon is also a member of the federation’s Planning & Allocations committee. He is vice president of the Jewish Federation Housing board. Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies: Ann and Meyer Riwchun Young Men's Leadership Award.