Celebrate the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s 125th anniversary and share in our vision to build a thriving Jewish future!
RSVP by Sunday, May 31
Meeting Details
Date & Time:
Wednesday, June 3
Dinner Reception: 6 – 6:45 p.m.
Program: 6:45 – 8 p.m.
Location:
Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El
1001 Remington Rd, Wynnewood, PA 19096
Couvert:
$36 per person
Fare:
The evening includes a light dinner reception. Kosher catering provided by Deluxe Kosher Catering under the supervision of the Keystone-K.
For Questions:
Please email events@jewishphilly.org or call 215.832.0534 for any event-related questions.
Additional Information:
- For security purposes, advance registration is required.
- Government IDs are subject to verification and bags are subject to search.
- By attending this event, you agree to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Terms and Conditions.
An Evening of Community
- Vote on the Board of Directors for next year — view the slate on this webpage. Voting is open to all Jewish Federation members: donors who contribute a minimum of $180 to the 2026 campaign. To become a member, click here to make your gift or call 215.832.0500.
- Appreciate our Circle of Partners, those who have made a generous donation to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign for 25 years or more.
- Recognize past leaders, including Young Leadership Award winners, whose achievements continue to shape the Jewish communal landscape.
- Engage in a conversation about why Jewish identity matters — now more than ever.
More about the Spring Annual Meeting
In 2021, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia launched a Strategic Planning Process that identified key goals for strengthening our organization and community, including:
- Creating a premier philanthropic investor experience
- Delivering philanthropic opportunities with meaningful social returns
- Building a high-performing professional infrastructure
- Establishing a strong Jewish Community Endowment
- Implementing best-in-class governance
In 2022, a Governance Task Force was formed to help us achieve these goals by updating our bylaws. These new bylaws were voted on in August 2024 and began to take effect in FY25.
As part of this governance transformation:
- The Board of Trustees (previously our governing body) has been disbanded.
- Former Trustees have been invited to join the Jewish Federation Community Council or the Board of Ambassadors. You can learn more about these bodies by clicking here.
You’re invited because you are a valued part of our community:
- Affinity Group Member: If you’re part of JFRE, Women of Vision, Women’s Philanthropy, or NextGen, we invite you to celebrate a year of impact and come together with peers.
- Congregational Leader: You’ve been engaged through our Kehillah neighborhood groups and leadership development efforts. Join us as we come together as one Jewish community.
- Agency Leader: You’ve collaborated with others through our network of communal agencies. Let’s gather to reflect and celebrate.
- Donor of $180 or more: Per our updated bylaws, your generous contribution makes you a member of the Jewish Federation. Thank you for your support — this gathering is for you! If you would like to become a member, you can make your gift to the 2026 Annual Campaign by clicking here or by calling 215.832.0500.
- Make your voice heard – Vote on the Board of Directors slate for FY27.
- Be inspired – Hear from Jeffrey M. Solomon, board chair of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, about our collective future.
- Be informed – Learn how your dollars are making a difference.
- Celebrate – We’ll highlight key milestones from the past year, recognize our Circle of Partners who have given for 25+ years and past Young Leadership Award Winners.
- Come together – This is a chance to connect with fellow community members.
Yes. As part of our membership structure, the Spring Annual Meeting includes a vote on the Board of Directors slate — an important moment of communal governance and involvement.
The nominations slate will be available to view on this webpage as we draw closer to the event date. After the voting, the final Board of Directors slate will be available to view here.
Individuals can be nominated to the Board of Directors through two primary methods.
- Nominated by the Governance and Nominations Committee
- Nomination by a member:
- Members have the right to nominate an individual for election to the Board of Directors by submitting a written nomination proposal to the Secretary by 90 days prior to the annual meeting. Written nominations can be submitted via email to boardsecretary@jewishphilly.org.
- This written proposal must identify the person being nominated and must be signed by at least 100 members. The individual being nominated must meet these eligibility requirements:
- Be a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Contribute at a leadership level, created or begun discussions to create an endowment gift and recommend others to solicit contributions to the Jewish Community Fund.
- Cannot be the board chair or chief professional officer of any organization that receives financial support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
- Demonstrate a commitment to the mission and purpose of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
If you cannot attend but are still interested in voting, please email events@jewishphilly.org or call 215.832.0534.
FISCAL YEAR 2027 BOARD OF DIRECTORS SLATE
As of 4.28.26. Additional nominations will be added to the slate as we get closer to the event.
Jewish Federation Members will have the opportunity to the vote on the Board of Directors nominees. Below you will find the Board of Directors who will be continuing on as well as the nominees.
Caren Barnet
Current Role: At-Large
Mitchell Benson
Position for Nomination: At-Large
Dan Berger
Current Role: At-Large
Andrew L. Cherry
Current Role: Treasurer
George J. Danneman
Current Role: Campaign Co-Chair
Position for Nomination: At-Large
Stewart Eisenberg
Position for Nomination: At-Large
Mark Fishman
Current Role: Board Co-Chair
Mindy Fortin
Current Role: At-Large
Richard J. Green
Current Role: Senior Vice Chair; Secretary
Jonathan Scott Goldman
Current Role: Jewish Community Relations Council Chair
Position for Nomination: At-Large
Michael Heller
Current Role: Governance & Nominations Chair
Cristy B. Hollin
Current Role: At-Large
Marjorie Honickman
Current Role: At-Large
Karen Blum Kramer
Current Role: Jewish Community Foundation Co-Chair
Susanna Lachs Adler
Current Role: Jewish Community Foundation Co-Chair
Adam E. Laver
Current Role: At-Large
Michele S. Levin
Current Role: Board Co-Chair
Jason Alexander Morgan
Current Role: At-Large
Holly Nelson
Current Role: Campaign Chair
Robin Robbins
Position for Nomination: At-Large
Julie Savitch
Current Role: Community Impact Committee Co-Chair
Mitch Sterling
Position for Nomination: At-Large
Jon Stevens
Position for Nomination: At-Large
Leora Zabusky
Position for Nomination: At-Large; Jewish Community Relations Council Chair
About Caren Barnet
Caren Barnet is the former Director of Institutional Advancement at Perelman Jewish Day School. She is currently Vice President of their Board of Directors. She is also Chair at Jewish Family and Children’s Services. She is an At-Large Member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Board of Directors. Barnet is married to Steve Abramson. They have five children: Alana (Matthew), Rebecca (Jake), Jacob, Sara (Jesse) and Cory (Rachel).
About Mitchell Benson
Mitchell Benson, CPA, MT, CFF is a partner of Savran Benson, LLP whose tax practice is consulting with large families on intergenerational wealth and business transition including income, estate and trust planning. Benson earned his Bachelor of Accounting from Penn State University and Master of Taxation from Villanova University. At the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Benson serves as a Board Member of the Jewish Community Foundation, is a recipient of the Edward N. Polisher Award, and is a Thursday morning volunteer (packer) at Mitzvah Food Pantry. Benson serves in the wider community on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers/Big Sisters Independence Region, Israel Bonds Legal and Financial Services Division Co-Chair (and past award recipient), Trustee of Temple Beth Hillel Beth El (past President). Benson lives in Wynnewood with his wife, Bonnie, has two married children and 3 grandchildren.
About Dan Berger
Dan Berger is the CEO of Berger Companies, a vertically integrated real estate firm and one of the region’s leading multifamily owner-operators. Under his leadership, the company has grown tenfold while remaining rooted in a people-first culture centered on values, service, and long-term impact. Berger plays an active role in shaping the company’s strategic vision, fostering leadership, and cultivating a culture of excellence. Guided by the belief that great places to live begin with great places to work, Berger Companies has earned national recognition for both employee engagement and resident satisfaction.
Berger earned his JD and MBA from Temple University and began his career as an attorney before returning to real estate to pursue his passion for leading teams and building communities.
He is deeply committed to service and community impact. Berger serves on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, past chair of the Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) Executive Committee, and is the founder and President of hope+door, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing family homelessness through emergency rental assistance. He also serves as Treasurer of the Benchmark School Board of Trustees. Berger is the past Chair of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association and previously held roles as Membership Chair and Treasurer of YPO Philadelphia.
He lives in Villanova with his wife, Ashly, and their two children, Isabella and Hudson. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation, fostering meaningful relationships, and strengthening the Jewish community in Philadelphia and beyond.
About Andrew L. Cherry
Andrew (Andy) L. Cherry is the Co-Leader of KPMG’s Private Enterprise Group in the firm’s Philadelphia Office. He has more than 25 years of experience in Tax Planning and Tax Compliance, working with rapidly growing businesses that are funded with Venture Capital and Private Equity across a variety of industries. Cherry is an active Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia volunteer: he is Chair of the Finance Committee, Treasurer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Board of Directors, and a Member of the Audit Committee. Cherry is an active Member of the Philadelphia community – he is a Member of the Board of Directors at Enterprise Center of West Philadelphia, Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technology, and Students Run Philly Style. In addition, he is a Member of the School of Business Administration’s Advisory Board at Thomas Jefferson University and a Coach at Emerging Growth Companies’ Dream It Program. He graduated from Jefferson University with a degree in Accounting.
About George J. Danneman
George J. Danneman, Esq., is an Attorney at The Danneman Firm, LLC, specializing in Commercial Real Estate, Affordable Housing, Community Development, Business Formation, Government Affairs and Administrative Law. His broad experience includes being Campaign Treasurer for several successful Gubernatorial Campaigns. He serves on the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Board of Directors as the Campaign Co-Chair, Executive Committee, Jewish Community Foundation Board, and previously on the Strategic Planning Task Force. Previously, Danneman was a Member of the Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet. Originally from Delaware, Danneman has an extensive background and involvement with the Jewish Federation of Delaware and its surrounding institutions, such as his service as Treasurer of the Board for Albert Einstein Academy. Danneman earned his Bachelor’s Degree from The George Washington University and his Juris Doctor from Dickinson Law at Penn State. He and his wife, Lauren, have four children – Elimelech, Michael (Mickey), Jonah and Miriam.
About Stewart Eisenberg
Stewart Eisenberg is the founder of the trial lawyer firm of Eisenberg, Winkler, Jeck, Schwartz, Schoenhaus & Sherry and represents victims of catastrophic injury and death, having tried over 100 jury trials. He earned his B.A. at the University of Pennsylvania with distinction and his J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law serving on the Law Review. He’s been an adjunct professor in trial advocacy and has established a trial lawyer scholarship at the law school. He is a Past President of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association and the Pennsylvania Association for Justice as well as Lawyers for Consumer Rights and the Law Academy of the School District of Philadelphia. He has been named a top 100 Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Super Lawyer and as one of the Best Lawyers in America. He was a member of Jewish Federation of North America’s National Young Men’s Cabinet. In Philadelphia’s Federation, he has been on the Board of the Young Leadership Council, Chair of the Young Lawyers Division, on the Board of Hillel of Greater Philadelphia, and a mentor for the NextGen Pathways Fellowship program. He is now the development chair and on the board of Temple University Hillel. Outside of Federation he is a member of the Innovators Society at Moss Rehab Hospital and an active supporter of Voices of Moss Aphasia Center founded by his mother. He was a founder, officer, and capital campaign chair of Reform Congregation Kol Ami in Elkins Park and established the Discover Israel Fund providing scholarships for students to visit Israel. His community service includes serving on Cheltenham Township’s Board of School Directors, and he is currently President of Friends of VIP(Volunteers for the Indigent Project of the Philadelphia Bar Association)and has served their board and been chair of the fundraising committee.
About Mark Fishman
Mark Fishman is currently the CEO of TRF Holdings, LLC, a small investment company. Fishman was the Executive Director of Global Brands Group USA. He was formerly CEO and Chairman of Fishman & Tobin, Inc., a Philadelphia-based clothing manufacturing company.
He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Board of Directors and has previously served as Co-Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Jewish Community Foundation, Emergency Response Committee, Finance Committee, and Investment Committee. Additionally, he has served as a mentor for the Sharon and Joseph Kestenbaum Legacy Philanthropy Program.
Fishman has served on the board of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for over 30 years, the last 10 as its Vice Chairman. He is currently on CHOP’s Foundation Board of Overseers. Fishman also served on the Board of Visitors of Duke Law School for 10 years and is now a lifetime member. He serves on the boards of the Brodsky Research Institute at Johns Hopkins, the Center for Leadership and Learning (CLAL) in New York, and Atidim.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Williams College and his Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law. He and his wife, Jill, have three children: Edward (Lepi), Samantha (Steven), and Josh (Sidney), and five grandchildren.
About Mindy Fortin
Mindy Fortin is a Member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Community Impact Committee (CIC) and an At-Large Member of the Board of Directors. She is a Past Chair of Women of Vision (WOV) and is a Member of the WOV Advancement, Advocacy, Grant Review and Executive Committees. She is a Board Member of Jewish Learning Venture and Past Vice-Chair and Board Member of 18 Doors, a national organization serving interfaith families. Fortin is a longtime Member and Volunteer at Kesher Israel Congregation in West Chester and a Member of Society Hill Synagogue, where her son-in-law is Senior Rabbi. She and her husband, Thad, have a Family Foundation, and she is also a Director of the Lasko Family Foundation. She and her husband have three children: Caroline, Madeline and Matthew.
About Richard J. Green
Richard J. Green joined Firstrust Bank in 1978 as General Counsel, its Board of Directors in 1986, President and CEO in 1995, and Board Chairman in 2015. As of January 1, 2023, he serves as Executive Chairman of the Board and remains sole owner. Green serves as Chairman and CEO of Semperverde Holding Company, which owns Firstrust Bank. He is also Chairman of the Board of Hatch Bank, an FDIC-insured “Challenger Bank” headquartered in San Marcos, CA, wholly owned by Firstrust Bank. Green is the Owner, Chair and CEO of Arborverde Holding Company, which is a private investment company engaged in Direct Real Estate Investment and Commercial Enterprises. Green has been a Limited Partner in the NFL Philadelphia Eagles Football Team since 1994, and a Limited Partner in the New York Yankees since 2001.
Green is the Secretary and Senior Vice Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Executive Board of Federation Housing, Inc., and as Trustee for the Green Family Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to invest in organizations that serve with impact, the basic human needs for Food, Shelter, Healthcare and Environmental Sustainability.
Green earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Tufts University, a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business, and a Juris Doctor from the Southern Methodist School of Law & University of Pennsylvania. He has three children: Brittany, Jeffrey and Julia.
About Jonathan Scott Goldman
Jonathan Scott Goldman is a seasoned trial lawyer and appellate attorney and the founder of Goldman Law Team, where he represents clients in complex litigation, investigations, and high-stakes advocacy matters before courts, state attorneys general, and government agencies throughout Pennsylvania and across the country. He is also principal of Goldman Relations, LLC, a government relations firm that helps advocate for clients in Harrisburg. Goldman is deeply engaged in civic and nonprofit leadership.
At the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, he is an at-large member of the Board of Directors, chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), and a member of its Domestic and Government Affairs Committee. He is also chair of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, a statewide lobbying organization advocating for the priorities of Jewish communities across the Commonwealth. Goldman is a board member and chair of the Governance Committee for TILT Institute for Contemporary Image, a Philadelphia nonprofit that supports contemporary photographers, and he is Assistant Secretary of the Abraham J. Cohen Family Charitable Foundation.
Goldman earned his Juris Doctor from Temple University Beasley School of Law, a Master of Fine Arts from Tufts University and a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University. He has two sons: Max and Asher.
About Michael Heller
Michael Heller is the Chairman and CEO at Cozen O’Connor. Under his leadership and strategic direction, the firm has grown in revenue by more than 75 percent, with revenue of over $800 million, and has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Law Firms Globally. He Chairs the Firm’s Board of Directors and serves on its Management Committee. His business, entrepreneurial, and investing experience arms him with a unique ability to manage a Global Law Firm in an ever-changing market and provide Legal and Business Insight on countless complex client matters. Heller is the Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Governance and Nominations Committee and is a Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He also sits on several Nonprofit Boards, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Villanova Law School, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT). He also sits on the Boards of Beachbody, LLC, FS Investments, LLC, and Hanover Fire and Casualty Insurance Company. Heller earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law. He and his wife, Lauren, have three children: Adam, Evan and Jordan.
About Cristy B. Hollin
Cristy B. Hollin earned her Juris Doctor from Delaware Law School of Widener University. She is an At-Large Member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Board of Directors. She is a Member of the Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving Independence (JCHAI) Board of Directors. She and her husband, Mitchell, have three children: Matthew, Noah and Reid.
About Margie Honickman
Margie Honickman has worked in Special Events and Public Relations for Philadelphia Magazine and Philadelphia radio stations. Honickman is an At-Large Member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Board of Directors and has been a dedicated volunteer for many years. She served as the Chair of the Jewish Federation’s Israel 75 celebrations, managing the overall planning and strategy. She serves on many boards, including the Birthright Israel National Foundation, Birthright Regional Council, OROT, Abramson Center for Jewish Life, and Impact 100 Philadelphia. In September of 2024, she was elected Chair of the Foundation Board of Advisors for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She is the President of the Saramar Charitable Foundation and on the board of the Honickman Foundation. Honickman earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from George Washington University. She and her husband, Jeffrey, are proud parents and grandparents of Sara, Spencer, Theo and Noah Drotman, and Mauri Honickman and Billy Grenis.
About Karen Kramer
Karen Kramer has been active in the Philadelphia Jewish Community for over 30 years. She currently serves as Jewish Community Foundation co-chair, as a member of Jewish Federation Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, and is the Life & Legacy chair. Kramer is past president of Women’s Philanthropy and is a past chair of the Center for Social Responsibility. Kramer served on the Campaign Cabinet, and the Planning and Resourcing Commission. In 1999 she received the Isidore Kohn Young Leadership Award. She is a former member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet and the National Women’s Philanthropy Board. She has served on the Abramson Senior Care board since 1998 and served on the OROT board for many years. Kramer has held several leadership roles at Temple Sinai, having served as a board member, committee chair and chair of many fundraisers. She currently serves as a legislative advocate for NMDP and is a member of the east coast NMDP Foundation Board. She and her husband, Bill, have three children: Melissa, Ben (Katie) and Josh.
About Susanna Lachs Adler
Susanna Lachs Adler is a Past Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, a Member of its Board of Directors, a Trustee of Jewish Federations of North America , a past member of JFNA Cabinet and National Women’s Philanthropy. She currently serves as Jewish Community Foundation Co-Chair and on the Women’s Philanthropy Board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. She is a Past Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at Penn, a Member and Past Chair of the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women, and a Founding Co-Chair and current Member of the Penn Hillel Board of Governors. She is a Member of the Board of Trustees of Temple University and serves on the Board of Visitors of Temple’s Beasley School of Law. She is a Member of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation Board of Advisors.
About Adam E. Laver
Adam E. Laver is a Partner at Blank Rome LLP. He concentrates his practice in the areas of Real Estate Development, Zoning and Land Use, and Real Property Tax. Laver is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Emergency Response Committee and “Philly Stands with Israel Emergency Fund.” He is also an Alumnus of the Wexner Heritage Program. Laver and his wife, Sara, Co-Chaired Jewish Federation’s most recent Jewish Community Population Study.
Laver continues to serve on the Emergency Response Committee, and he also serves as a Member of the Strategic Plan Audit Committee. He is an At-Large Member of the Jewish Federation’s Board of Directors.
Among his other civic and charitable endeavors, Laver is General Counsel to the Committee of Seventy and serves on its Executive Committee and Board of Directors. He is also a Founding Member of the Urban Land Institute’s Philadelphia Housing Council. He is an Appointed Member of the Select Advisory Board of the Chamber of Commerce. Laver is a Past Chairman of Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Jewish National Fund USA’s Eastern Pennsylvania Division.
Adam, and his wife, Sara, are the parents of Alana and Noah.
About Michele S. Levin
Michele S. Levin is President of MSL Consulting Group, which specializes in Executive Coaching, Strategic Planning and Leadership Development. She is also a Coach for BetterUp.
Levin serves as the Co-Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. She is currently a Member of National Women’s Philanthropy. Previously, she was Chair of the Committee for Israel and Global Strategy, was a Member of the Center for Jewish Life and Learning, and served in numerous positions in Women’s Philanthropy.
Outside of the Jewish Federation, Levin has served on the National Board of Americans for Ben Gurion University, several different committees for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and local institutions, including Chair of the Board of Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, Member of the Board of Jewish Learning Venture, and numerous leadership positions at Har Zion Temple, where she currently serves on the Board of Trustees.
Levin has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development and Leadership and is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Certified Executive Coach.
Levin and her husband, Robert, are parents of three wonderful children – Jacob, Samantha, and Andrew.
About Jason Alexander Morgan
Jason Morgan is Co-CEO of Morgan Properties, where he guides the company’s strategy, investments and operations.
Morgan joined the company in May 2017, when Morgan Properties was the 25th largest apartment owner in the country, and has been instrumental in elevating it to one of the nation’s largest multifamily owners, with more than 100,000 units and over $20 billion in assets. Since 2017, Morgan Properties has acquired over $9B in acquisition volume, comprising over 65,000 units. He also sits on Morgan Properties’ Investment Committee, where he evaluates all the Company’s acquisition and debt investment opportunities.
Previously, Morgan served as President of Morgan Properties Special Situations, where he led the sourcing, underwriting, and execution of multifamily acquisition and debt investment opportunities. Morgan Properties Special Situations invests in equity recapitalizations, fixed-income securities, and other alternative multifamily investment opportunities. He built the team and processes that Morgan Properties has utilized to become a major investor in the Freddie Mac K-series CMBS space. Since launching the platform in 2017, Morgan Properties has executed multiple recapitalizations of portfolios valued at over $3.5 Billion and closed on acquisitions of 48 Freddie Mac K-Series B-Pieces across $50 Billion in UPB. Today, Morgan’s B-Piece portfolio has a market value in excess of $1.3 Billion.
Prior to Morgan Properties, Morgan worked at Sculptor Capital Management, formerly known as Och-Ziff Capital Management, where he focused on equity investments, preferred equity structures, mezzanine financing and senior loans across traditional and niche real estate asset classes. Before Sculptor, Morgan worked at Goldman Sachs in the real estate investment banking group. Morgan received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Finance and Real Estate from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He currently serves on The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia’s Board, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Facilities Expansion Advisory Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Board of Directors, and the Samuel Zell and Robert Lurie Real Estate Center Executive Committee at the University of Pennsylvania.
He has been recognized as a recipient of Commercial Observer’s 2021 Game-Changing Visionary Award, one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s Real Estate Rising Stars, Housing Wire’s 2020 Rising Stars, and a recipient of Connect Media’s 2020 Next Generation Award in the National category.
About Holly Nelson
Holly Nelson has a strong passion and dedication to Jewish Philanthropy and Volunteering. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Nelson has been deeply entrenched in this work for over 25 years. She is a Member of the Jewish Federation’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, currently serving as the Campaign Co-Chair and previously serving as Chair of the Jewish Federation’s Community Impact Committee. Nelson is also a Member of the Emergency Response Committee, the Finance Committee. She is a Member of the Jewish Federation of North America’s National Women’s Philanthropy Board as well as a Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of her synagogue, Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El. Nelson has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Master’s of Journalism. She and her husband, Norm, are proud parents of two children, Danny and Sarah, both graduates of Perelman Jewish Day School and the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy.
About Robin Robbins
Robin Robbins is a proud philanthropist, mentor and community leader. Robbins has served in various leadership positions within the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, including the Board of Directors, the Board of Trustees, Vice Chair of Women’s Philanthropy, the Committee for Jewish Life and Learning, Chair of the Committee for Social Responsibility, Chair of the Campaign Team, and member of the Missions Committee. Currently, Robbins is serving the seventh year of her eight year National Women’s Philanthropy Board term. Robin and her husband Fred reside in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Longport NJ and Boca Raton Florida. They are parents to Ben and Caroline Batoff and Matthew, Allison and Seth Robbins. Robbins is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School.
About Julie Savitch
Dr. Julie Savitch is a life-long Educator, Civic Leader and passionate Advocate for children, education and the Jewish community.
Within the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Dr. Savitch currently serves as Chair of the Community Impact Committee and as a Member of the Emergency Response Committee. Over the past fifteen years, she has held numerous leadership positions, including Chair of Israel and Global Strategies, Chair of Women’s Philanthropy, Campaign Chair for Women’s Philanthropy, Mission Chair and Women’s Leadership Development Program Leader. Additionally, she is a graduate of Cohort III of the Zin Fellows Leadership Program through American Associates of Ben Gurion University as well as an Alumna of Yesod, a leadership-development initiative jointly sponsored by JFNA and Melton. She lives in Radnor, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Jordan, where they raised their three children.
About Mitch Sterling
Mitch Sterling is the Chief Client Development and Relationship Officer at Blank Rome LLP. With more than 20 years of experience in the legal industry both as a business professional and as a former practicing attorney, he leads Blank Rome’s marketing and business development efforts. Mitch served on Federation’s Board of Directors from 2018-2024 and is an alumnus of Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, where he served as National Membership Vice Chair and National Engagement Vice Chair. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees of Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and a former NextGen Chair. Mitch is also a member of Jewish Federation’s Legacy Society. In addition, Mitch was a Glass Leadership Institute Fellow with the Anti-Defamation League and is also a Board Member with the Jewish Relief Agency.
About Jon Stevens
Jon Stevens is a retired executive. His last position was the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at SKF USA Inc., the world leader in rolling bearings. Jon earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Currently, Jon serves as co-chair of the Jewish Federation Leadership Development Council along with Lauren Danneman and chairs the Jewish Federation’s Ethics Committee. He previously served on the Jewish Exponent Board. In addition to his commitment to the Jewish Federation, he is a past president of Shir Ami Congregation in Newtown, Bucks County, currently serving as the shul’s Life & Legacy and Personnel committee chairs. In addition to his synagogue work, Jon is Vice President of Jewish Learning Venture, and serves The Weitzman Museum’s 1654 Society chair. Jon lives in Newtown, Bucks County with his wife, Meri, and treks to New York to visit their children, Nikki & Eric, Jacqui & Milad, Dani, and their grandson, Mason.
About Leora Zabusky
Leora Zabusky provides strategic consulting services to non-profit community organizations. She is particularly interested in supporting organizations that infuse their strategic and operational plans with environmental sustainability practices. Zabusky serves on several boards, including BBYO International, Perelman Jewish Day School, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Philadelphia (JCRC). Zabusky is a Wexner Fellow in Jewish learning and leadership, a Wexner Climate Action fellow, and serves as a Climate Action Advisor to Adamah.
Before beginning her independent consulting practice, Zabusky worked at Genentech in San Francisco. During her tenure at Genentech, Zabusky commercialized several oncology medicines and helped run the Company’s digital marketing business. Prior to Genentech, Zabusky was a strategic management consultant at Monitor in New York.
Zabusky has an MBA from UC Berkeley and a BA in Economics and International Relations from Univ of Pennsylvania.
Zabusky currently resides in the Philadelphia suburbs. She grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and emigrated to Harrisburg, PA as a teenager. Zabusky enjoys tennis, yoga, the outdoors, and most of all, spending time with her daughters, Arielle and Haley, and husband, Jonathan.
A FIRESIDE CHAT: BUILDING A THRIVING JEWISH FUTURE
FEATURED SPEAKER
Jeffrey M. Solomon
Board Chair,
Foundation for Jewish Camp
IN CONVERSATION WITH
Holly Nelson
Campaign Co-Chair,
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
About Jeffrey M. Solomon
Jeffrey M. Solomon’s leadership is rooted in his lifelong connection to Jewish summer camp. A former camper, counselor, and program director at Emma Kaufmann Camp, he credits those experiences with shaping his commitment to empathy, community and service. He has served on the Board of the Foundation for Jewish Camp since 2016.
Solomon is the former chair and CEO of Cowen, a global investment bank, and is currently special advisor and vice chair of TD Bank. He serves on several civic and nonprofit boards, including UJA-Federation of New York, Partnership for NYC, and Tree of Life, Inc.
Jeff and his wife, Linda, have made the intentional decision to align their philanthropy resources with organizations that enrich, enhance and extend Jewish peoplehood. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, they now live in Larchmont, NY, and have three grown children.
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Board of Directors
Board Chairs
Mark Fishman
Michele S. Levin
President and CEO
Michael Balaban
Senior Vice Chair and Secretary
Richard J. Green
Treasurer
Andrew L. Cherry
Campaign Co-Chairs
George J. Danneman
Holly Nelson
Community Impact Committee Chair
Julie Savitch
Governance and Nominations Chair
Michael Heller
Jewish Community Foundation Co-Chairs
Karen Kramer
Susanna Lachs Adler
At-Large Members
Caren Barnet
Dan Berger
Harris L. Devor
Mindy Fortin
William Glazer
David G. Gold
Jonathan S. Goldman
Cristy B. Hollin
Marjorie Honickman
Adam E. Laver
Jason A. Morgan
Tony Schneider
Susan G. Schwartz
Danielle M. Weiss
Past Chairs
(*of blessed memory)
Bennett L. Aaron
Andrea B. Adelman
David J. Adelman
Leonard Barrack
*Michael R. Belman
Alan E. Casnoff
*Sylvan M. Cohen
*Hon. Abraham L. Freedman
*Morris A. Kravitz
Susanna Lachs Adler
Michael P. Markman
*Frank L. Newburger, Jr.
Bernard Newman
Gail S. Norry
*Edward H. Rosen
*Ronald Rubin
Sherrie R. Savett
Miriam A. Schneirov
*Theodore H. Seidenberg
*Philip S. Seltzer
Beryl D. Simonson
*Joseph Smukler
*I. Jerome Stern,
*Hon. Nochem S. Winnet
*Edwin Wolf, 2nd
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Executive Leadership
President and CEO
Michael Balaban
Chief Planned Giving Officer
Jennifer Brier, Esquire
Senior Chief of Finances and Operations
Nick DiCaro
Chief Brand Officer
Rebecca Etter
Chief Human Resources Officer
Melissa Gabillon
Chief of JCRC
Jason Holtzman
Senior Chief of External Affairs
Jeffrey Lasday
Chief Development Officer
Sarah B. Solomon
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