Currently: Campaign Director and Assistant Foundation Director at the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, MI.

School:  University of Michigan Sol Drachler Program (Masters in Social Work with certificates in Judaic Studies and Jewish Communal Service).  Graduated April 2007.

My Jewish journey began as a junior in college, when I was given the opportunity to travel to Israel on a birthright trip organized through the Hillel at Michigan State University.  At the time, I hadn’t found my place in the Jewish world, and my connection to Judaism and Jewish community was based primarily on the importance that my parents placed on it. Little did I know that the birthright experience would lead me down a path to a professional career in Jewish communal service.  Standing atop Masada, my Jewish flame was lit, and a new passion for preserving the continuity of the Jewish people was born. 

Upon returning to campus I immediately volunteered at Hillel, working to engage other students. Within a few short months, I was employed as a Student Intern in charge of engagement, and upon graduation I was hired as Program Director.

After two years as the Program Director at Michigan State University Hillel I found myself wanting to make an impact on a larger Jewish population. I recalled connections I had made with federation professionals during my time with Hillel, so I contacted these colleagues to learn more about the role of federation in the Jewish community.  After a quick visit to my local Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, I was hooked.  I knew then that federation was where I needed to be, but how was I going to get there?  I was about to be married and had little means to pursue a graduate degree to develop and enhance the professional skills needed to be successful in my chosen career.  Enter the FEREP Scholarship.

My experience as a FEREP scholarship winner is irreplaceable.  In addition to the benefit of earning a Masters degree, FEREP ensured that I was connected with premium internships that matched my skill set with both large and intermediate federations.  Through these internships I was given meaningful assignments that prepared me for a professional career in the system.  The people I met during the program are still some of my closest friends and confidants.  We also had a tremendous opportunity to interact with many successful federation professionals, many of whom continue to serve as mentors to me. I would be remiss if I did not mention the continued support that my fellow FEREP graduates and I receive from UJC.  I would not be in the position I am in today without their help.

My work with the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor allows me to get involved in almost every aspect of our organization and to interact with many different groups of people.  As the Campaign Director, I work with over 100 volunteers to raise money for the most pressing local and overseas needs; I meet with and engage a wide range of donors, including our largest contributors, and work with lay leaders to plan community-building and fundraising events. 

Serving as the Assistant Foundation Director for the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Ann Arbor gives me opportunities to help secure the Jewish future for our community.  Working with donors to help them identify their long-term philanthropic interests and to create legacy gifts for our community gives me immense satisfaction as both a community member and as a father to an eight-month old daughter.

Working within the UJC system gives me tremendous pride--it also helps that I work with extremely qualified professionals in my office.  Together, we make a real difference in the lives of those who need us; we inspire and are inspired by the dedicated volunteers who make our organizations work.  Every day is a new challenge with new opportunities. I enjoy the work I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.  Every night I go to bed knowing that I am doing my part to ensure Jewish continuity, and every morning I can’t wait to get back into the office.