People holding signs
Students in a classroom

Dear Friends,

Every year brings new challenges and opportunities for our community. This past year asked us to do more than respond to crises and current events. It called on us to help shape the future of Jewish Greater Philadelphia, together.

Last year’s Annual Report highlighted how we came together after Oct. 7, confronted rising antisemitism, supported Israel and strengthened essential services at home.

This year, we built on that foundation through four deliberate practices: convening, listening, imagining and building.

We began by convening agency leaders, rabbis, educators, donors, grassroots organizers and community members. These gatherings created space for honest dialogue, broader participation and deeper collaboration across our community.

We then listened. We heard from parents concerned about safety in schools, older adults and Holocaust Survivors whose needs are evolving, and teens and young adults searching for belonging. We also heard from educators, social workers, clergy and donors. This work required humility and helped us better understand the complexity of our community’s needs and hopes.

Together, we imagined what a vibrant Jewish future could look like. A community where Jewish education is accessible to all families, older adults and Survivors receive the care they deserve, security protects our institutions, Israel engagement is grounded in connection and understanding, and agencies collaborate to strengthen the whole community. Through the Jewish Community Foundation, we are also building long-term sustainability through legacy and planned giving.

Our Mission

Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has mobilized resources to support the Jewish community’s most pressing needs locally, in Israel and around the world. We are committed to creating a bright future for Jewish People everywhere.

Here As One: Highlighting a Year of Community

An event is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the community, learn about the important work that is being done locally and around the world, and connect with Jewish life.

In 2025 the Jewish Federation hosted 181 events that brought out over 7,000 people. These programs were led by the Jewish Federation’s various departments, including the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE), NextGen, Women of Vision (WOV), Women’s Philanthropy and the neighborhood Kehillot groups.

500 community members wore their best costumes for the Old York Road Kehillah’s Purim Carnival at Congregation Keneseth Israel, creating a lively, festive atmosphere.

Old York Road Kehillah Purim Carnival: March 16

30 community members from Greater Philadelphia joined thousands worldwide to march from Auschwitz to Birkenau as part of an annual educational program in Poland and Israel commemorating Yom HaShoah.

March of the Living Mission: April 22-28

200 people gathered at the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza for this year’s ceremony, featuring firsthand survivor testimonies, remarks from local leaders, candle lighting, and prayers.

61st Annual Holocaust Memorial Ceremony: April 27

175 Women of Vision members and guests gathered to celebrate the group’s impact on the lives of self-identifying Jewish women and girls. The event featured entrepreneurial trailblazer Lily Kanter, co-founder of Serena & Lily.

Women of Vision Spring Event: May 14

Women’s Philanthropy celebrated at the Switch House at the Battery. 200 women gathered for an evening to honor Margie Honickman with the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award and hear from comedian and Emmy Award winner Judy Gold.

Lion of Judah Event: May 20

100 people gathered at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park. The program featured leadership updates, an inspiring keynote from Rabbi Mike Uram and highlighted the impact of the Jewish Federation.

Spring Annual Meeting: May 28

The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) brought a group of 31 volunteers to Harrisburg to meet directly with elected officials and staffers, and to share some of the top priorities and concerns in the Jewish community.

Harrisburg Advocacy Day: June 24

The Jewish Federation welcomed 144 attendees to the Atlantic City Country Club for a conversation between Jewish advocate Tessa Veksler and JCRC Chief Jason Holtzman.

A Conversation With Jewish Advocate Tessa Veksler at the Shore: Aug. 7

150 professional advisors attended the Jewish Community Foundation’s Bronstein Seminar, featuring Keynote Speaker Turney P. Berry, Esq., and the presentation of the Edward N. Polisher award to Amy S. Ufberg, Esq.

30th Annual Solomon and Sylvia Bronstein Seminar for Professionals: Sept. 4

600 community members gathered at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue to kick off the New Year and start a year-long celebration of the Jewish Federation’s 125th anniversary.

Main Event: Sept. 16

600 real estate professionals gathered for the group’s 13th annual event at the Crystal Tea Room for a morning of networking with Philadelphia's brightest in real estate and beyond.

Jewish Federation Real Estate Legends and Leaders: Nov. 13

NextGen hosted their Signature Event at the Down Town Club, bringing together 150 leaders and young philanthropists, ages 22 to 40, for an evening of mingling, conversation and feature speaker Jonah Platt.

NextGen Signature Event: Nov. 20

Jewish Federation Investment Overview

Investment for Fiscal Year 2025

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The Jewish Federation invested $66 million into the community in Greater Philadelphia, Israel and around the world. As the largest Jewish philanthropic entity in the region, the Jewish Federation is uniquely positioned to thoroughly vet its grantees on how they address need and align with the organization’s three pillars:

  • Caring for Those in Need Locally,
  • Supporting Israel and Global Jewry, and
  • Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future.
Foundation for Jewish Day Schools: $17,414,000 Direct Support to Agencies and Community Programs: $21,111,000 Donor Advised Fund Grants: $14,200,000 Rent Abatement to Jewish Agencies: $6,825,000 Israel Emergency Fund: $6,450,000

Operating Costs in Fiscal Year 2025

You can trust that your dollars go further with us. The Jewish Federation has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator, and operates on just 12 cents per dollar. In fact, Charity Navigator recognizes organizations that spend less than 20 cents to raise a dollar as highly efficient – a standard we’re proud to exceed.

Caring for Those in Need Locally

We are committed to the Jewish value of “love your neighbor as thyself” or “Ve’ahavta le’reyakha kamokha.” In enacting this vision of advancing the lives of those who are underrepresented, at-risk, and struggling, we fund and collaborate with partner agencies that lead holistic socioeconomic initiatives that help people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Priority Areas

Self-Sufficiency

Self-Sufficiency

Programs that promote independence.

Food Security and Basic Needs

Food Security and Basic Needs

Programs that provide free or affordable meals, food packages, and essential services to individuals and families in need.

Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors

Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors

Programs focused on providing assistance and support to those over the age of 60 that are related to health and wellbeing.

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individuals facing poverty served in Greater Philadelphia

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Holocaust Survivors served in Greater Philadelphia

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people with disabilities served in Greater Philadelphia

The support of the Jewish Federation has been instrumental in providing resources that cater to the diverse needs of our community, from youth to seniors. Their funding and collaboration enable us to offer educational, cultural and social services that strengthen our communal bonds across all generations.
- Andre Krug ,
President and CEO of KleinLife
I need other people in my life who encourage me the way I try to encourage others. The friends that I have made in Tikvah do that for me.
- Shari Simons,
Tikvah AJMI Volunteer and Client Who Experiences Debilitating Anxiety and Depression
Not only did you help me invaluably, you saved me in the full sense of this word. I am sure that your big hearts are open not only to me. Your desire and the desire of your organizations to provide all possible assistance to those in need of it is beyond praise.
- Alan R. ,
Holocaust Survivor Living in Philadelphia

In The Spotlight

The Jewish Federation's Mitzvah Food Program

Since 1996, the Mitzvah Food Program has served food insecure individuals and families in Greater Philadelphia. Operating out of four pantry sites in Old York Road, Main Line, Bucks County and Northeast, recipients can select their own fresh, frozen and nonperishable food with kosher options through a points system that incentivizes healthier eating. By utilizing a choice-based model, the Mitzvah Food Program recognizes that those in need may have cultural, health or personal preferences that make prepackaged food boxes unsuitable.

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pounds of fresh, frozen and nonperishable food provided

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clients served

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volunteer hours

I cannot put it into words how thankful we are to be a part of this program. I am a senior who receives delivery services and there is a lot of food that I am unable to have for medical reasons, but the Mitzvah Food Program has been wonderful to work with to meet my nutritional needs.
- Ruth,
Mitzvah Food Program Client

Supporting Israel and Global Jewry

We uphold the Jewish value of “All Jews are responsible for one another” or “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh la-zeh.” In enacting this vision of being connected with the Jewish homeland and to Jews around the world, we form deep-rooted, global partnerships. The Jewish Federation funds organizations in Israel that enhance Jewish life and pride, provide basic needs, integrate marginalized societies, and deploy rescue and relief services in times of crisis.

Priority Areas

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Religious Pluralism

Religious Pluralism

Programs that create opportunities for education on and expression of a variety of Jewish identities in Israel.
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Social Cohesion and Inclusion

Social Cohesion and Inclusion

Programs that equip marginalized Israelis with 21st-century skills while fostering social cohesion through workforce integration. By uniting diverse communities, these initiatives promote cross-cultural understanding, reduce economic inequality through accessible training and education, and strengthen Israel’s social fabric.

Food Security and Basic Needs

Food Security and Basic Needs

Programs that provide free meals, food packages, medicine, socialization to reduce loneliness, and other basic necessities to those in need, including families, elderly, and Holocaust Survivors.
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Engaging with Israel and Global Jewry

Engaging with Israel and Global Jewry

Programs that connect local individuals with Jewish communities around the world, specifically in the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Partnership2Gether regions of Netivot and Sdot Negev. Programs that support Jewish communities globally.

Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors

Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors

Programs focused on providing assistance and support to those over the age of 60 that are related to health and wellbeing.

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older adults in Israel and globally received basic needs, coordinated care and socialization

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Israelis connected to Jewish life across the denominations

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Ethiopian Israelis acquired services to enhance Jewish life and career advancement

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has been one of Latet’s closest and most loyal partners. As one of the first Jewish Federations to support our work, their trust, compassion and unwavering commitment have allowed us to reach thousands of Holocaust Survivors and families struggling with food insecurity, giving them not only the help they need but also the dignity they deserve.
Gilles Darmon,
Founder and President of Latet
For many years, I have been working with underrepresented populations. The Jewish Federation’s support has made it possible for us to better integrate Bedouin women into Israeli society and help them achieve success in the tech industry.
Dr. Rachel Knoll,
Director of the Springboard to High-Tech program
We have brilliant students who are studying chemistry or computer science, but we get phone calls asking for mall security guards. Representation matters. When people see Ethiopian Israelis leading companies and shaping policy, it creates a ripple effect of inclusion.
Hagit Yaari,
VP of Resource Development at Olim Beyahad

In The Spotlight

The Jewish Federation Israel Team

The Jewish Federation’s full-time team in Israel meets regularly with organizations, leaders and community members in our Partnership2Gether area of Netivot and Sdot Negev, which border Gaza in the south of Israel. They aim to build trust and to effectively understand their unique needs to maximize our local community’s investment for lasting impact.

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years of partnership with Sdot Negev and Netivot in the south of Israel

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in Sdot Negev, home to 11,000 residents, being rebuilt since Oct. 7

The Jewish Federation is with us in good times and in bad times...in times of peace and in times of war. [You] help us with long-term planning and with short-term needs, and you helped this community come back to life after [Oct. 7]. They were able to go back to their homes, back to their schools, back to their lives.
Tamir Idan,
Head of the Sdot Negev Regional Council

Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future

We firmly believe that Jewish continuity relies on passing on the ancient traditions and the historic resiliency of the Jewish people onto the next generation – L’dor v’dor. In enacting this vision of creating a vibrant Jewish future, we fund organizations that provide opportunities for the local community to connect with each other and to their Jewish heritage. In addition to supporting these institutions, we also protect them by providing security resources at no cost while enhancing the community’s ability to stand up to Jewish hate through trainings and educational programs.

Priority Areas

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Jewish Education

Jewish Education

Support educational institutions that provide opportunities for individuals to increase their knowledge about Judaism, Jewish history and texts.
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Jewish Engagement

Jewish Engagement

Support initiatives that connect people to their Jewish identity, foster a sense of community, and focus on creating inclusive and welcoming Jewish spaces around shared values or identities.
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Combating Antisemitism and Ensuring Communal Security

Combating Antisemitism and Ensuring Communal Security

Coordinate programs that address the unprecedented rise in Jewish hate and initiatives that protect the Jewish community and its congregations, schools, agencies and other institutions against increasing threat.

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college students connected to Jewish life through five Hillels

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in scholarships for 38 local Jewish day and overnight camps

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people participated in programs that strengthen Jewish identity

I want to thank the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and SCN for their Countering Active Threat Training. The training gave our team the confidence and tools we need to respond quickly and calmly in an emergency, helping us create a safe and secure environment for our campers and staff.
Rabbi Mendy Lezell,
Camp Director of Gan Izzy Day Camp
Hillel is like a home for me. As an LLM student participating in the exchange program, the feeling I miss the most is that of home. Every time I enter the Hillel building, it’s a safe place where I can be myself to study, relax and enjoy.
Shulamit Laniado,
Israeli Exchange Student at Temple University
When I was a teenager, Philly Friendship Circle opened my eyes to inclusion [as a volunteer]. Now that I have an autistic child, I understand its importance more than ever before. At Philly Friendship Circle, families have an inclusive place for their kids and an entire network of families to relate to and share resources.
Dasher Borowsky,
Parent of Philly Friendship Circle Participant

In The Spotlight

Combating Antisemitism & Ensuring Communal Security

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia works to protect the safety, dignity and future of the Jewish community. Through advocacy, education, and strategic partnerships the Jewish Federation leads efforts to confront rising hate through its Center to Combat Antisemitism. In addition, the Jewish Federation partners with the Secure Community Network (SCN) – the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America – to serve as a regional security hub, providing resources, training and guidance to ensure Jewish institutions and individuals can live openly and without fear.

$0M

secured in grant funding for 51 organizations to address security issues

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campers, students and staff were protected through trainings conducted in the summer of 2025

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faith-based and secular organizations formed a coalition to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate

I would like to thank the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Center to Combat Antisemitism for helping me to be able to express my Judaism in a safe and positive way on campus, especially after Oct. 7.
Ethan Farber
UPenn Hillel Co-President

Spotlight

Israel Emergency Support

Following Oct. 7, hundreds of thousands of Israelis were suddenly displaced as communities in Southern Israel faced unprecedented devastation. Families fled with little more than the clothes they were wearing, and critical infrastructure – including medical facilities and community centers – was left damaged or destroyed. Entire regions were left without reliable access to healthcare, safe shelter, or basic services.

In response, the Jewish Federation acted swiftly to provide emergency relief, delivering essential supplies and immediate support. As urgent needs evolved, the focus of Israel Emergency Support expanded to include the restoration and rebuilding of medical facilities, rehabilitation of damaged land and community spaces, and long term recovery efforts designed to help affected regions heal and rebuild stronger than before.

Our journey through these hardships underscores the power of unity and the strength of community. With the support of partners, like the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and our dedicated volunteers, Leket Israel will continue to serve every person in need, building a future rooted in nourishment and hope.”
Gidi Kroch ,
CEO of Leket
Receiving a mattress or even a toothbrush transforms families from being dependent to being equal among equals. These are not just goods – they restore dignity.
Social Delivery Representative
After Oct. 7, Ofanim pivoted and began serving children who were displaced from their homes and in evacuation centers throughout Israel. Thanks to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, we were able to make these changes knowing that we would be able to rely on our partners to support us.
Risa Kelemer,
North American Director of Development of Ofanim

Priority Areas

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Basic Needs

Basic Needs

Immediate relief for those displaced or affected by the conflict, including food, shelter and essential supplies.
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Mental Health and Trauma Support

Mental Health and Trauma Support

Comprehensive mental health and trauma support for individuals and families, helping them rebuild a sense of normalcy and security.
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Security and Medical Needs

Security and Medical Needs

Strengthening community safety through enhanced security measures and ensuring access to medical resources and emergency care.
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Recovery and Rebuilding

Recovery and Rebuilding

Long-term rebuilding initiatives and essential community services in the hardest hit areas.

Jewish Community Foundation

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, a branch of the Jewish Federation, serves as a world-class philanthropic partner for individuals and families seeking to create lasting impact through planned giving. Steadfast in its commitment to delivering tailored, high-touch service to both donors and institutions, it works alongside its supporters to build a future where the next generation can cultivate Jewish pride, deepen their connection to community, practice their faith freely, and respond with strength and resilience to the challenges ahead. To ensure that our Jewish community always has a safety net, we have launched an endowment campaign to secure the resources needed to sustain and strengthen our community for generations to come.

My hope is that by adding to [our donor-advised fund] each year, my husband and I will create a fund that our kids, and even their kids, can one day give from
Marisa Berman,
DAF Donor
Through Shtetl 2.0, I’ve built meaningful friendships – people I now see for walks, dinners, movies and theater – a supportive network that is there for me during challenging times and has connected me with Jewish life, even though I’m not affiliated with a synagogue.
Sheri Cohen ,
Vice Chair of Shtetl 2.0, an organization supported by the Bernard and Etta Weinberg Family Fund*
*The Bernard and Etta Weinberg Family Fund is currently the largest restricted fund of the Jewish Federation with approximately $24.9 million in assets and $11 million granted since 2010, as of Aug. 31, 2025.
Growing endowments is the key to long-term financial security, and can be tailored to an individual donor’s priorities or be given on an unrestricted basis. We were fortunate to have endowments designated to provide emergency support to Israel, which we were immediately able to activate after Oct. 7.
Susana Lachs-Adler ,
Jewish Community Foundation Co-Chair

Jewish Community Foundation Overview

Funds Under Management Over the Years

2023 2024 2025 Year: 2023 Amount:$354,535,000 Year: 2024 Amount:$397,446,000 Year: 2025 Amount:$444,059,000 $500,000,000 $0

Total Funds Under Management

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TOTAL

Unrestricted Endowments / Endowments Supporting Allocations Restricted Endowments DAFs and Revocable Trusts
Unrestricted Endowments /Endowments Supporting Allocations: $171,789,300 Restricted Endowments: $134,862,000 Donor Advised Funds and Agency Accounts: $137,407,700

Endowment and Donor Advised Fund Distributions for Fiscal Year 2025

$0

TOTAL

Donor Advised Funds $14.2M Restricted and Unrestricted Endowment Funds: $12.68M
Donor Advised Funds
Restricted and Unrestricted Endowment Funds

Jewish Federation Donor Advised Fund Grants for Fiscal Year 2025

$0

TOTAL

Jewish Organizations Supported: $7.96M Secular Organizations Supported: $6.23M
Jewish Organizations Supported
Secular Organizations Supported

Agency Accounts: Investment accounts for local synagogues and organizations

Donor Advised Funds: Charitable investment accounts in which donors contribute cash or stock and receive an immediate charitable tax deduction while maintaining advisory privileges over fund distributions

Unrestricted Funds: Funds available for general purposes or broad purposes within Jewish Federation’s priority areas

Restricted Funds: Funds which are restricted in purpose to specific organizations, social service agencies, or synagogues; funds which provide scholarships and interest-free loans to students; or funds which are administered by a committee

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endowment funds, supporting various areas of impact such as annual campaign, Israel, and Jewish education

0

Donor Advised Fund accounts for individuals and families, and Agency Funds for community partners

$0Million

raised in endowment contributions and future commitments over two years

Philanthropy calls us to live in a sacred tension – to give as though we can solve today’s problems, while knowing there will always be more work ahead. By supporting both urgent needs and endowment giving, we help create a better world today and build a stronger one for tomorrow.
Rabbi Mike Uram

Thank You!

Thank you for your commitment to this shared work. Together, we are ensuring Jewish continuity – donate, volunteer or join an upcoming event by visiting jewishphilly.org.

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Jewish Federation Leadership

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Board

  • Mark Fishman*, Board Co-Chair
  • Michele S. Levin*, Board Co-Chair
  • Michael P. Markman*, Immediate Past Board Chair
  • Michael Balaban*, President and CEO
  • George J. Danneman*, Campaign Co-Chair
  • Holly Nelson*, Campaign Co-Chair
  • Karen Kramer*, Jewish Community Foundation Co-Chair
  • Susanna Lachs Adler*, Jewish Community Foundation Co-Chair
  • Michael Heller*, Governance and Nominations Chair
  • Julie Savitch*, Community Impact Committee Chair
  • Richard J. Green*, Senior Vice Chair and Secretary
  • Andrew L. Cherry*, Treasurer
  • Caren Barnet, At-Large Member
  • Dan Berger, At-Large Member
  • Harris L. Devor, At-Large Member
  • Mindy Fortin, At-Large Member
  • David G. Gold, At-Large Member
  • Amir Goldman, At-Large Member
  • Jonathan S. Goldman, At-Large Member
  • Cristy B. Hollin, At-Large Member
  • Marjorie Honickman, At-Large Member
  • Adam E. Laver, At-Large Member
  • Jason A. Morgan, At-Large Member
  • Milton S. Schneider, At-Large Member
  • Susan G. Schwartz, At-Large Member
  • Danielle Weiss, At-Large Member
  • *Executive Committee

Executive Leadership

  • Michael Balaban, President and CEO
    Jennifer M. Brier, Esq., Chief Planned Giving Officer
  • Nick DiCaro, Senior Chief, Finance and Operations
    Rebecca Etter, Chief Brand Officer
  • Melissa Gabillon, Chief Human Resources Officer
    Jason Holtzman, Chief of Jewish Community Relations Council
  • Jeffrey Lasday, Senior Chief of External Affairs
    Sarah B. Solomon, Chief Development Officer