Our Team

Jamie Simon is Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Chief Executive Officer and previously served as FJC’s Chief Program and Strategy Officer, overseeing programs, strategy, and innovation. Prior to joining FJC Jamie Simon was the Chief Executive Officer of Tawonga Jewish Community Corporation also known as Camp Tawonga.  Under Jamie’s leadership, Tawonga tripled the number of people it serves, expanded its program offerings from summer camp for children and teens to year-round programming offering lifelong Jewish engagement, and doubled its staff and budget. 

Jamie’s previous roles at Tawonga included Chief Program Officer and Camp Director. Prior to joining Tawonga, Jamie worked as the Prevention Education Director at United Against Sexual Assault. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies from Sonoma State University. Jamie and her husband and their two children live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Song session

Liz Kane Buetow is a seasoned and compassionate Human Resources professional with over 17 years of experience. Liz has held exciting roles, notably as a Senior HR Business Partner at The Home for Little Wanderers a Massachusetts based private nonprofit child and family service agency and as the Director of Human Resources for the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office and the Disabled Persons Protection Commission with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In high school, Liz, alongside her twin and older sister, worked at a summer camp in Southeastern Massachusetts. When she is not working Liz has a passion for teaching fitness classes and spending time with her husband and two beloved dogs.

Favorite Camp Activity:  Kayaking and paddle boarding

Julie Finkelstein is the Senior Director of Program Strategy & Innovation at Foundation for Jewish Camp. Julie works on initiatives that support Jewish camps and their leaders, particularly those aimed at enhancing the counselor experience. Before joining FJC in 2014, Julie was the Associate Director of Slingshot, where she managed a network of next-generation funders and entrepreneurs, the Assistant Director of Capital Camps, the Jewish community camp of the Mid-Atlantic region. Julie got her professional start with Hillel: at Maryland Hillel and at Hillel’s international offices in Washington, D.C. Julie earned an MBA from the George Washington University as a Wexner Graduate Fellow/Davidson Scholar, and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Maryland. She won the 2016 JPRO Network Young Professional Award. Julie currently sits on the board of Camp Tel Yehudah, where her Jewish camp story began. Julie, and her outrageously cute puppy, Penny, are based in Brooklyn, New York.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Icebreakers!

Briana is the Senior Director, Strategy for Foundation for Jewish Camp, where she leads large-scale events, strategic planning, internal initiatives, and key partnerships. Previously, she was the Director of the Jewish Teen Funders Network in NYC and the founding Assistant Director of URJ Camp Kalsman in Seattle, Washington. Briana earned her MBA as an FJC Bildner Graduate Fellow from the University of Washington and received her B.A. in Law & Society from American University. She was recently a member of the Sigma Delta Tau Foundation Board of Trustees and is an alumna of the UJA Federation of New York’s Ruskay Institute for Jewish Professional Leadership and FJC’s Yitro Leadership Program. Briana loves everyday adventures, traveling the world, and making ice cream.

Favorite Camp Activities:
Kayaking/canoeing, arts & crafts, and Farm to Table chug

Rebecca is the Senior Director of Field Expansion at Foundation for Jewish Camp, driving the strategy to increase enrollment and capacity at camps. She manages FJC’s flagship One Happy Camper program, providing incentive grants for first-time campers and advancing the camping agenda across North America in partnership with federations. Additionally, Rebecca manages a diverse portfolio of programs including the Yashar Initiative to increase accessibility for campers and staff with disabilities at Jewish camps, the interest-free loan program to support capital expansion, Competitive Edge which launches specialty tracks at traditional camps and JFAM: Jewish Family Camp initiative. Rebecca is part of FJC’s strategic planning and leadership teams.

Before joining FJC, Rebecca worked as the Director of College Programs at Jewish National Fund for six years, where she created JNF’s signature Alternative Break to Israel program; a week-long immersion trip for college students and young adults. Rebecca currently sits on the executive board of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, is the immediate past president of the alumni association, and is the 2018 recipient of the Alumni Leadership Award. She is a Wexner Field Fellow. Rebecca graduated from Tufts University in 2003 and has an M.A. in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from the NYU Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Knockout

A native of Chicagoland, Matt Levitt builds community and efficient organizational systems wherever he goes. Most recently, he served as the Grants and Compliance Manager for the Zarrow Family Foundations based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Matt oversaw all grant management systems, data analytics, and financial compliance on more than $35M annually in grantmaking. Before joining the Zarrow Family Foundations, Matt worked for a decade at Ramah in the Rockies, serving in various roles before concluding his tenure as Chief Operating Officer in 2021.

Matt completed a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies from Indiana University and an MBA with a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from Oklahoma State University. Matt lives with his wife, two young sons, and two dogs in Tulsa, spending most of his free time chasing young kids around Congregation B’nai Emunah, roasting coffee, and following Chicago sports teams.

Favorite Camp Activity: Dishpit

Nila Rosen joined FJC in January 2020 after two decades of experience providing strategic planning, evaluation, and applied research assistance to philanthropic, nonprofit, healthcare start-ups, and governmental agencies as well as large-scale initiatives. Her area of focus is building healthy and resilient individuals, communities, environments, and organizations and the interactions between these systems. 

Before joining FJC, she consulted for a broad array of clients in research and evaluation, strategic planning, change management, coalition building, and organizational development to bring systems into alignment with vision and social change. These engagements, focused on the well-being of children and families, include the California Children’s Trust, Blue Shield of California Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Stanford University, and the Behavioral Health Services of Santa Clara County. Prior, Nila held a 10-year tenure as a Communications Liaison and Research Scientist implementing the California Department of Public Health’s statewide response to the autism epidemic. In this position, she worked to enhance research and collaboration between the state’s child-serving education, developmental, and medical systems. Nila’s prior work to strengthen the Jewish community includes evaluation planning and implementation for Birthright Israel, multiple Jewish Teen Engagement Initiatives, Moving Traditions and the JOFEE Fellowship. She believes Jewish camp is integral to restoring our connection to nature and creating a greater sense of belonging in the world. 

Nila holds an M.P.H. in Epidemiology focused on maternal child health from the University of California, Berkeley and a B.A. from Oberlin College in English and writing. She lives in Berkeley, California with her husband and her two inspiring teenagers. 

Favorite Camp Activities:
Creating friendships and campfires

Favorite Camp Activities:
Maccabiah (color war) and making s’mores around the campfire! 

Bethany is the Manager of Learning and Research at the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Previously, she has worked for secular and Jewish nonprofits focused on children, youth, and families in various data management and programmatic roles. Bethany earned her MBA from the Heller School of Social Policy at Brandeis University and her BA from American University in International Studies.

Bethany grew up attending Camp Wood Haven, a Girl Scout camp in eastern Pennsylvania, and worked for a summer before grad school at URJ Henry S Jacob Camp in Utica, Mississippi. In her leisure time, Bethany likes to go on walks with her dog, knit, and read.

Favorite Camp Activities:
Song session, arts and crafts, and nature

Lauren’s passion for Jewish camp began at Camp Interlaken JCC and has grown through the Cornerstone Fellowship, her work as an event intern, and most recently at Camp Wise. She’s excited to bring that love for camp into her role as part of the fourth cohort of the FJC Fellowship, focusing on Leadership Development and supporting initiatives like Cornerstone, the Camp Management Fellowship, and the Staff Advisory Council.

Before joining FJC, Lauren worked full-time as a K4 teacher at the JCC of Milwaukee’s Gan Ami Preschool, where she fostered creativity and connection in the classroom. Now based in New York City, she loves exploring the city’s thrift stores, discovering gluten-free treats, crafting, and spending time with friends.

Favorite camp activity:
Water skiing and any opportunity to be in and around water!

Marisa joined Foundation for Jewish Camp as an Assistant Program Manager for One Happy Camper. Growing up on Long Island, she spent her summers at Camp Lavi in the Pocono Mountains starting as a camper, and eventually moving on as a general counselor and teen tour staff. She cherishes those experiences immensely and remains best friends with her bunkmates. Before joining FJC, Marisa held various positions in sales and social media marketing, in addition to volunteering as a mentor to neglected Israeli children during her gap year in Jerusalem at Midreshet AMIT. She is committed to the well-being and development of children, and serves as a board member of the AMIT organization’s Young Leadership. She is a graduate of CUNY Queens College, where she studied Media Studies and Business & Liberal Arts. In her spare time, she enjoys playing guitar, writing comedy sketches, and competitive TV show trivia.

Favorite Camp Activities:
Bucket Brigade, Tubing, and Apache Relay

Vera joined FJC team in December 2022 as our Junior Accountant. She graduated from the College of Staten Island’s Lucille and Jay Chazanoff School of Business with a BS in accounting. Vera was born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and moved to the US by herself at the age of nineteen.

After eight years of work in the for-profit sector, Vera joined FJC team because she wanted to have a meaningful job working for a cause, a job that goes beyond calculating profits and losses.

Raised by a history teacher, Vera believes that knowledge of one’s own heritage, traditions, and culture is one of the most fundamental aspects of a child’s upbringing because it helps children better understand themselves and find their place in the world. Vera believes that summer camps create a unique opportunity and a favorable environment for a captivating cultural learning experience that fills kids with joy and pride and is key to their success in life.

Favorite Camp Activities:
Field days, Olympics, and Talent shows

Shelly is a driven and dedicated Salesforce administrator.  She has experience helping nonprofits realize their dreams of seeing their impact and success in the communities they serve.  Before moving into Salesforce administration, she was an educator for over 10 years, teaching mathematics and working with middle school students.

When not working, Shelly enjoys crafts of all types such as knitting, book binding, and vinyl crafts.  She also enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys.

Bradley is so excited to launch his Jewish camping career and join Cohort IV of the FJC Fellowship, focusing on Jewish and Israel Education! Bradley first experienced the magic of Jewish camp as a camper at Z Frank Apachi Day Camp, and then truly fell in love with Jewish camp after his first summer at Beber Camp in Mukwonago, WI. Over his twelve life-changing summers at Beber Camp, Bradley was a camper, Teen Leadership Program participant, Bunk and 1:1 Inclusion counselor, Pioneer Program/Israel Trip Leader, and Division Leader. Bradley first collaborated with FJC as a Cornerstone Fellow in 2022, and since then has continued involvement with the organization as a Cornerstone Event Intern in 2023, and as a member of Cornerstone Alumni Board and Staff Advisory Council.

Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Bradley graduated from Tulane University in 2025 where he studied Jewish Studies, Business, and Spanish. During his time in college, he worked as the Executive Assistant to the ED at Hillel and as a Server at Hillstone Restaurant Group. Bradley was also a member of the Club Tennis team and the professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi. Currently residing in Brooklyn, Bradley loves to spend time with friends and family playing board games, watching Survivor, thrift shopping, cooking, and trying new restaurants!

Favorite camp activities: waterskiing, camping trips, and board games! 

Rachael joined the Foundation for Jewish Camp in April 2024 as the Development Operations Manager with over a decade of Jewish communal professional experience. From camper to counselor to unit leader, Rachael grew up attending Jewish day and overnight camps. Most recently, Rachael worked as the Development Director and Managing Director of Operations at the Jewish Arts Collaborative in Newton, MA. When not working, Rachael spends her time with her husband, two kids, and mini-bernadoodle.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Friday night Shabbat Dinner

Jeremy served as the Chief Executive Officer for Foundation for Jewish Camp between 2010-2025 and now serves as FJC’s Senior Advisor. Prior to joining FJC, he had a highly-regarded 20+ year career in Consumer Packaged Goods, beginning at General Mills, Inc, then at Campbell Soup Company, where he served as President of its largest Division, US Soup. In 2005, he was recruited to serve as CEO of Manischewitz.

Jeremy spent many wonderful summers at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin as a child where he discovered the joy of Judaism and made lifelong friends. He started his Jewish communal work in high school, serving as international president of United Synagogue Youth. He since served on many philanthropic boards including Jewish Federation, Israel Bonds, American Friends of Magen David Adom, and his synagogues. Jeremy, a former board Vice-Chair of JPRO (the network of Jewish communal professionals), received the 2023 Bernard Reisman Award for Professional Excellence from Brandeis University.

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Columbia University and an M.B.A. in General Management from Harvard Business School. He and his wife, Gail, live in Fort Lee, NJ and have a son and a daughter who recently gave birth to their first grandchild in Jerusalem.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Capture the Flag

Lindsey is a passionate communicator and storyteller, she brings a deep love for camp, Judaism, and community to everything she does.

She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Communication with a minor in Leadership Studies and her Master’s in Strategic Communication from East Carolina University. Lindsey’s path in Jewish communal life began with meaningful roles at organizations like Hillel and BBYO. That journey came full circle when she stepped into the role of Marketing Manager for the URJ 6 Points Specialty Camps. Having grown up at URJ 6 Points Sports Academy as a camper, CIT, counselor, and CIT Director, Lindsey turned her lifelong connection to camp into a career.

She is especially passionate about sharing the magic that happens at Jewish summer camps and the impact it has on young people! Outside of work, Lindsey loves to travel, especially to Dublin, and is always on the hunt for the perfect latte at a new coffee shop.

Favorite Camp Activities: Song session and sports

Gabrielle “Abbie” Garcia is a dynamic communicator and strategic thinker skilled in media production, event organization, and digital marketing. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Media Production and Theatre from Florida State University. With a proven track record in marketing campaign development, social media management, and event coordination for organizations such as Congregation Bet Haverim, JK Distribution Wellness, and The Public Health Network, Abbie now resides in Atlanta, GA. There, she indulges in outdoor activities, kickboxing, and hot yoga. Passionate about sports and creativity, Abbie shares her adventures through Twitch live streams, podcasts, and YouTube videos.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Campfire Songs

Maryn is excited to join FJC as the Program Manager – Community Care. She grew up in Phoenix, attending Camp Charles Pearlstein in northern Arizona, which later became Camp Daisy and Harry Stein. Maryn holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona. After graduating, she served as the Assistant Director at Camp Daisy and Harry Stein for four years. She then completed a graduate program in Social Work and Jewish Nonprofit Management at the University of Southern California and Hebrew Union College. After graduating, she continued her camp journey working for Camp Ramah in California as the Alumni and Development Associate, spending her summers at camp focusing on camper and staff mental health. Maryn is excited to use her experience, education, and passion for mental health and inclusion to help support Community Care for the field of Jewish camping!

Favorite Camp Activities:
Havdalah and campfires!

Before joining FJC, Bobby spent 36 years serving as Camp Director/Jewish Educator at Camp Young Judea-Sprout Lake, JCC Camp Arthur-Reeta, and for the last 30 summers as Director of URJ Camp Coleman. Bobby’s undergraduate years were spent at Boston University and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he majored in Political Science and Religion. He also received a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education from Siegal College of Case Western University. Moreover, a frequent storyteller and life coach, Bobby lives in Atlanta with his wife Ellen. They have two adult children, Max and Sophie, who were lifetime campers and staff members.

Favorite Camp Activities:
Singing, stories, and s’mores around the campfire

Yevgeniy Klig is the Senior Program Manager of the Russian-speaking Jewish (RSJ) Initiative at Foundation for Jewish Camp, where he supports Jewish camps in engaging RSJ campers, families, and staff. Before joining FJC, Yevgeniy worked as the Senior Program Manager at Genesis Philanthropy Group, overseeing a portfolio of grants in North America and Europe focused on strengthening Jewish identity among RSJ communities. Earlier, Yevgeniy was the Senior Director of RSJ Programming at Moishe House and the Director of Teen Services at Marks JCH of Bensonhurst in Brooklyn, NY. Yevgeniy was born in Odessa, Ukraine, and moved to the United States when he was a teenager. He has a BS degree in electrical engineering from Stony Brook University and lives in Cranford, New Jersey, with his wife Lisa, son Zachary, and cat Yuriy.

Favorite Camp Activity:
The ruthless game of Gaga

David Korenthal joined the Foundation for Jewish Camp team as the Midwest Director in March 2023. Previously, he was the Director of Talent Acquisition at Hillel International and worked with mid-career professionals and Jewish educators and Rabbis to bring the best talent to Hillels around the country. Before his time at Hillel, he worked at Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Greater Boston’s Jewish Federation as the IACT National Program Officer. David is originally from the Chicago area and graduated from Ithaca College in 2010 with a BA in History. He is also a 2016 graduate of the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership program at Brandeis University, where he completed dual MBA and MA degrees. David spent time living in Cairo, Egypt, and then a year living, working, and volunteering in Israel as a fellow on OTZMA 26. He then worked as the Engagement Associate at UChicago Hillel. David also spent 14 summers as a camper, counselor, and unit head at Camp Interlaken JCC in Eagle River, Wisconsin.

Favorite Camp Activities:
Anything on the lake–swimming, waterskiing, and windsurfing

Chase joined Foundation for Jewish Camp in 2021 as the organization’s Digital Marketing Manager. Prior to joining FJC, Chase acted as the Creative Manager for the University of Arizona Bookstores, Digital Media Coordinator for the Tucson Jewish Community Center and Tour Manager & Sound Engineer for various international performing artists. Chase is passionate about promoting sustainability, independent journalism, art, peace, community organizing, and gardening, among many other interests.

Growing up in Baltimore, Chase attended school and day camp at St. Paul’s School in Brooklandville, Maryland, before pursuing studies in Design, Printmaking & Painting at Maryland Institute College of Art and Art & Visual Culture Education with an emphasis on Communities and Museums at The University of Arizona.

Favorite Camp Activities:
Photo Camp and s’mores!

As the Marketing Director at Foundation for Jewish Camp, Aimee oversees our brand management and dreams up new ways to celebrate and share the transformative impact of Jewish camp. Prior to joining the FJC team, Aimee worked in marketing and recruitment as Admissions Officer for the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and more recently in the field of educational technology. Originally hailing from Las Vegas, Aimee made her way to the East Coast for college, acquiring a BA in History of Urban Development from Columbia University and a BA in Modern Jewish Studies from List College.

Some of her best memories are from her days at Camp Foxtail, Camp Ramah in California, and Camp Ramah in the Poconos. When she’s not at the office, Aimee can be found hiking with her family, hunting down the perfect mac and cheese, and singing silly camp songs to her kids.

Favorite Camp Activities:
Campfires and late night talks

Hannah joined the Foundation for Jewish Camp in January 2024 as an Executive Assistant and Program Coordinator. From camp counselor to camp director, Hannah has been involved in Jewish summer camps since her youth. More recently she worked as the Director of Camps and Afterschool at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco and as the Childcare Programs Supervisor for the City of El Cerrito, CA. Hannah has a B.A. in Ethnic Studies and a Master’s in Social Work. Hannah and her family live in Western Colorado.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Backpacking and Talent Show!

Teri joined the FJC team in 2016. The granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors, Teri was raised to take pride in her Judaism and contribute strongly to the surrounding community. She strengthened her Jewish identity through her involvement in United Synagogue Youth (USY) where she gained an informal Jewish education and important leadership skills. Her involvement in USY inspired her to spend a year studying and volunteering in Israel after graduating from high school. Following her gap year program, The Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel, she enrolled in Binghamton University and earned a BA in Judaic Studies.

Teri graduated from the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University in 2016. There, she earned an MA in Jewish Professional Leadership and an MA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies. Having spent seven summers as a participant, staff member, and group leader on USY Summer Programs across the globe, Teri is inspired to continue to help young people explore their Jewish connection through her work at FJC! Through her work on our leadership development programs and educational initiatives, Teri can see her direct impact on the field of Jewish camp.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Havdalah under the stars

Pam is a graduate of Paul Smith’s College and brings over 20 years of experience in human resources, primarily within the hospitality industry. Throughout her career, she has specialized in HR operations, with a passion for building people-centered workplaces and fostering strong organizational culture. Outside of work, Pam enjoys cooking and spending quality time with family and friends. She is also a dedicated supporter of nonprofit causes and participates in fundraising events for organizations such as Best Buddies and the Pan-Mass Challenge.

Favorite camp activity:
Biking and listening to stories around the campfire.

Rachel joined Foundation for Jewish Camp in May 2010 as the Senior Accountant. Prior to joining FJC, Rachel worked for Loeb and Troper LLP, a public accounting firm, as a financial auditor for nonprofit organizations. She received her Bachelors in Accounting from Touro College and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Rachel attended Camp Shorashim for four summers and then spent another four summers as a counselor for day camps in Queens. Rachel lives in Queens, NY with her husband and their happy campers.

Favorite Camp Activities:
Kabbalat Shabbat (Lecha Dodi), Arts and Crafts, Color War

Amy joined the Jewish educational team at FJC in 2022. Prior to joining FJC, Amy worked for PJ Library at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, where she designed in-person and virtual learning for family engagement professionals to strengthen their capacity to engage families with young children. Amy served as the long-time kindergarten teacher at Lander-Grinspoon Academy (LGA) and designed family education for both LGA and Abundance Farm, a Jewish food justice farm in Northampton. Amy is the author of three children’s books—A Mezuzah on the Door, The Shabbat Princess, and Harvest Blessings—and the Jewish parenting blog Homeshuling. She is a former Outward Bound wilderness guide and trip leader for both Tamarack Camps and Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute and is the proud founding director of the Teva Learning Center. In 2015, she was awarded the Covenant Award for excellence in Jewish education, and is currently a fellow in the Mandel Educational Leadership Program. Amy received an M.A. in Education at Smith College, a B.A. at Wesleyan University, and spent two years as a Beit Midrash Fellow at the Drisha Institute. She lives with her family in Northampton, Massachusetts. 

Favorite Camp Activity:
Backcountry trips

Alecia Moser is thrilled to be joining FJC as the Learning and Research Administrator. Alecia is an experienced research scientist in developmental cognitive psychology, with an expertise in examining how infants and young children communicate, cooperate, learn, and interact with others. She discovered her passion for research during her undergraduate education at UC Santa Barbara, and then went on to complete her MS at Binghamton University. More recently, her career took her to New Zealand where she managed a collaborative research project aimed at observing parent-infant interactions in order to inform a comprehensive model of early development, called BabyX. She is eager to advance and facilitate FJC’s Learning and Research initiatives, particularly those aimed at promoting Jewish youth development.

Last year, Alecia returned home to Northern California’s wine country where she grew up. In her free time, she enjoys cycling, yoga, and quality time with her boyfriend, family, and friends.

Favorite camp activity:
signing songs around the campfire

Staci joined FJC in 2014, and as our Senior Manager of Operations & Data, she works to ensure our internal and external systems are running smoothly. She manages the day to day of our One Happy Camper grant portal and is our Salesforce administrator. Staci is a proud alumnus of Golden Slipper Camp, which sparked her passion for helping more kids attend Jewish overnight camp. Before FJC, Staci has had various roles in the Jewish community, including at the Jewish Community Project in Tribeca and The Jewish National Fund. She is a graduate of NYU, where she studied Jewish History and Civilization and Psychology. Staci is an alum of Baruch College with a Master’s in Public Administration.

In her leisure time, Staci enjoys wandering around New York, doing puzzles, and making friendship bracelets.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Color War

Before joining Foundation for Jewish Camp in 2008, Avi was the Campus Rabbi and Assistant Director of the St. Louis Hillel at Washington University and has held numerous positions as rabbi, educator, and youth leader. He spent 17 years as a camper and then educator at Ramah Camps in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and YUSSR camps in the Former Soviet Union. Avi has a B.A. in religious studies from Columbia University. He was ordained in the charter class at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, the open Orthodox rabbinical school. Avi lives in White Plains, New York, with his wife, Cantor Adina Frydman, and their children, Yadid, Yishama, Emunah, and Libi.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Giving Paper Plate Awards

Elana is our Annual Giving Manager who previously served as the inaugural Development Manager at Hillel Council of New England. Elana holds an MA in Jewish Professional Leadership and an MBA in Social Impact, both from Brandeis University. She also earned a BS in Human Development from Binghamton University. Elana was selected as a Nachshon Project Fellow and was invited to study at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Prior to her time in graduate school, Elana worked at the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester, where she managed the Israel and camp scholarship programs (including One Happy Camper) and worked to enhance the accessibility of Jewish educational experiences for all. Her career in development is a true reflection of her deep-rooted Jewish values and unwavering commitment to social justice.

Favorite camp activities:
Camping trips and kayaking

Delia is the Manager of Operations & Technology. With more than six years’ extensive experience in operations management, offering expertise spanning business administration, IT management and day-to-day site operations. She prides herself on achieving optimal results with competent planning, organization, solution-oriented approaches, cultivating efficient work settings and relationships with employees and partners. Her love for operations and team management can be seen in her past work with companies NYX cosmetics, Puma, BET, and many more fun partnerships. Her gratitude, appreciation, and love for collaboration, partnership, and leadership drove her to join the FJC team.

Delia holds a BS in Nutrition from Delaware State University.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Outdoor team missions and activities

Margalit is thrilled to join Foundation for Jewish Camp as the first West Coast Regional Director. She is excited to support camps, staff, and initiatives on the West Coast. Before FJC, Margalit spent over six years at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, most recently as the Senior Vice President of NuRoots, leading the Federation’s young adult initiative and overseeing a team of professionals working exclusively on engagement programming. Margalit moved to Los Angeles after working in New York in various small, innovation-focused Jewish non-profits and earning a Master’s in Public Administration and an MA in Hebrew & Judaic Studies from NYU’s Wagner/Skirball Dual Degree Program. Originally from San Diego, Margalit spent a gap-year in Israel before graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Maryland with a BA in English Language and Literature. She is a lifelong Ramahnik, having lived about 15 summers at Camp Ramah in California – Ojai. Margalit loves to travel, collect semi-useful trivia, and spend time with her six nieces and nephews.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Making guacamole 

Favorite camp activity:
unscheduled bunk time during a thunderstorm

From the moment she stepped off the bus as a wide-eyed camper, Jessie knew camp would be more than just a summer tradition, it would become a lifelong passion. After years as a camper, counselor, and ultimately a leader in youth programming, she has dedicated her career to creating meaningful, memorable, and growth filled experiences for young people. Originally from Miami, Florida, Jessie holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and child development from Florida State University.

Before joining FJC, she led the teen engagement initiative at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and served on the year-round team at URJ Camp Coleman, the very camp where her love for overnight camp began. In her spare time, Jessie enjoys taking dance classes, baking sweet treats, and exploring the natural beauty of Georgia.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Making S’more and Late-night talks on the cabin porch!

Amanda is thrilled to join the Foundation for Jewish Camp as Program Manager, Orange County, bringing over a decade of experience in program development, community engagement, and organizational leadership. She has dedicated her career to creating meaningful experiences that strengthen communities and empower individuals to grow.

Prior to FJC, Amanda served as Operations Manager at CulinaryLab Cooking School, where she developed operational processes that increased revenue and efficiency, while overseeing the school’s day-to-day financial, compliance, and team culture initiatives. Previously, she served as the NextGen Program Manager at the Jewish Federation of Orange County, where she developed and led a diverse portfolio of philanthropic, educational, and social programs, launched immersive community experiences, and fostered strong partnerships across the Jewish community.

Amanda is a California transplant and proud Phoenician at heart. She holds a Master of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Global Business with a concentration in Marketing from Arizona State University (go Sun Devils!). Amanda is passionate about Jewish life, leadership development, and building programs that create lasting impact for families and communities, and credits her own immersive experiences with Birthright Israel, JDC Entwine, and Germany Close Up. When Amanda isn’t working, she spends quality time with her husband and two daughters, enjoying Southern California living.

Favorite camp activity:
Shabbat, campfire chats, making s’mores, and stargazing 

Joining FJC in 2015, Jill focuses on community care initiatives (mental health, SEL, inclusion, diversity, etc.), Jewish educational resources, professional development, and leadership training. Her love of Jewish camp was sparked more than two decades ago at URJ Camp Coleman as a camper, and she continued as a counselor, educator, and visiting faculty. She’s also spent time at URJ Kutz Camp and worked with youth groups across New York. Jill was an FJC Cornerstone Fellow in 2006, a program she now proudly helps facilitate as part of her work.

A south Florida native, Jill moved north to attend NYU, followed by seven years in TV news production, as a directing and operations supervisor at NY1 News. Invested in designing thoughtful, welcoming and meaningful experiences, Jill received her Master’s degree in Jewish Educational Leadership at JTS’s Davidson School. In 2022, she received the JPRO Young Professional Award, and is currently a Facilitation Fellow with Resetting the Table and a proud part of the Honeymoon Israel alumni community. Jill is passionate about helping camp and Jewish organizations bring their values to life through action and policy. Plus, she enjoys chocolate, social-impact documentaries and movies with morals, running, storytelling, exploring cultures through travel, the High Line Park, and living in western Queens with her partner and kiddo.

Favorite Things About Camp:
Campscape, Shabbat walks, and Apple Brown Betty

Julia Sommer comes to FJC with a background in education and community engagement, particularly within the Jewish community. Julia grew up at Temple Beth Am in Los Altos, CA, where she taught Sunday School and a community service based alternative to religious school for several years. After graduating from Stanford with a BA in Russian Literature, Julia continued to pursue her passion for education, community building, and social justice by working as a Children’s Librarian at Girls Inc, Santa Barbara. Most recently, Julia has been serving the Jewish preschool at Congregation B’nai B’rith in Santa Barbara, managing their day-to-day operations, family engagement, and all aspects of their registration and enrollment systems. Between jobs, Julia has also traveled extensively, interned in wildlife rehab, and studied massage therapy and holistic wellness. In her free time, she loves reading, camping with her husband, and hiking with their two huskies.

Favorite camp activities:
Campfire and sleeping under the stars

Steph is thrilled to be joining the FJC team in the fourth cohort of the FJC Fellowship, focusing on wellness, inclusion, and belonging. Originally from Los Angeles, Steph earned a B.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

During college, Steph was deeply involved in Jewish life and leadership, serving as president of Chabad at Cal Poly, and interning for Far West USY, USCJ’s youth movement. Their love for Jewish community and camp culture has been a constant, spending every summer since the age of nine at Camp Ramah in California. As a staff member, they served as a counselor, music specialist, and vocational program manager for staff with disabilities, and even helped complete a successful reaccreditation with the American Camp Association. In their free time, Steph likes to listen to music, play guitar, and catch up on their favorite TV shows.

Favorite camp activity:
Shabbat Oneg & Tisch

Lisa brings over 30 years of dedicated service as a Jewish educator, community leader, and champion of experiential learning. In her recent role as Director of Lifelong Learning at Temple Shaarei Shalom in Boynton Beach Florida, Lisa designed engaging, multi-generational programs that strengthened Jewish identity and community connections.

A passionate believer in the power of immersive Jewish experiences, Lisa has guided campers and teens in leadership roles at URJ Crane Lake Camp, chaperoned NFTY mission trips to Israel, and taught across public, day school, and congregational settings. Lisa earned a BA in Judaic Studies (University of Rochester) and an MA in Educational Administration (Pepperdine University). She worked for Bank Leumi in Tel Aviv and New York and holds an MBA from NYU Stern. She is fluent in Hebrew and an accomplished holder of the Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, a Mandel Teacher & Leadership Institute alumna (6th Cohort), and a certified Reform Jewish Educator (RJE).

Lisa lives in South Florida with her husband. She finds her greatest joy in her family, where she embraces life as a proud mom of three adult Jewish camp alumni and savta (grandmother).

Favorite camp activity:
Anytime we sing together: Shabbat, song sessions, and camp rituals

Maya Tipiere joined FJC in February 2023 as the Learning and Research Associate. Previously, she worked in communications, development, and operations at Yeshivat Maharat, gaining a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the Jewish non-profit world.

Maya was raised in Long Island, New York and spent her summers at Perlman Camp in Pennsylvania as a camper, counselor, and head counselor. From her adult mentors to the youngest campers on camp, Maya has never ceased to be inspired and impressed by everyone in the world of Jewish camp. Maya studied in the Tulane honors program, followed by a semester abroad, in 2020, as a fellow of the Nachshon Project where she studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She graduated from Binghamton University in the spring of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development. Maya enjoys traveling, hiking, doing arts and crafts, and spending quality time with family, friends, and fellow silly geese.

Favorite Camp Activity:
Rainy day bunk time

Henry Weltman is the Associate Program Director at Foundation for Jewish Camp. Henry grew up in Sudbury, Massachusetts, and spent his summers as a second-generation camper and staffer at Perlman Camp in Lake Como, Pennsylvania. He found the greatest joy from Israeli dance alongside his brother and cousin in his early years, and in later years, he enthusiastically led the Shabbat tradition for the entire camp.

During his college years, Henry attended Tulane University, where he worked and volunteered his time with the Tulane Hillel. As a junior, Henry joined the 5th cohort of the Nachshon Project, studying at Rothberg School at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, while exploring various professional Jewish careers among like-minded peers. He received his BS in Marketing and Economics from the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business in the spring of 2021.

Henry has been involved with FJC across various roles, beginning as a Cornerstone Fellow, followed by the Cornerstone Event Internship, and maintained a connection by establishing, and ultimately co-chairing, the Cornerstone Alumni Board (CAB). Henry is excited to leverage his experience within FJC’s Cornerstone program, combined with the skills and knowledge from his business school education, to support new and existing programs, engage alumni, and maximize participant experience.

Favorite Camp Activities:
Israeli dancing alongside my brother and cousin, and leading Shabbat

At Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), Jenni oversees leadership development for Jewish camp leaders across the U.S. and Canada. She directs cohort-based programs such as the Yitro Leadership Program, now in its sixth cohort, and guides the broader strategy for training and growth opportunities for camp leaders.

Since joining FJC in 2017, Jenni has played a key role in shaping the field: for many years she led FJC’s day camp strategy, strengthening and expanding Jewish day camp experiences across North America. She now brings that same vision and expertise to advancing the growth and resilience of Jewish camp leaders at every level.

Before FJC, Jenni spent six years at the 14th Street Y in Lower Manhattan, where she rose from program coordinator to Director of Youth Programs, overseeing camps and programs serving children and teens. She began her career at Surprise Lake Camp, where she had been a camper and staff member, and earned her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College.

Jenni lives in the Bronx with her husband, Jon, and their daughter, Violet.

Favorite Thing About Camp:
Eating obscene amounts of mac n’ cheese, and of course, meeting my husband and best friends

Montclair, New Jersey

Elisa Spungen Bildner is co-founder and co-chair (with Rob Bildner) of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Professionally, Elisa was president of FreshPro, a leading fresh-cut produce company serving the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic food industry. Before that, she was a journalism professor at Rutgers and New York Universities, taught law at Seton Hall Law School, and was a reporter/editor at the Newark Star Ledger. She is a former attorney, practicing in New York and New Jersey, as well as law clerk to Federal District Judge H. Lee Sarokin. Elisa is currently a writer in the fields of health and food, and is a professionally trained vegan chef and teaches yoga, including Jewish yoga.

In the Jewish community, Elisa is former president and chair of JTA, the international Jewish wire service, past chair of the Jewish Funders Network, and currently serves on their boards as well as those of the Jewish Book Council, the MetroWest Jewish News and Community Foundation. In 2013, President Obama appointed Elisa to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. At Yale, from which Elisa graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, she is on the Alumni Association Board, the Development Council, Parents Leadership Council, Women’s Health Research at Yale (Medical School) Council, on the board of the Slifka Center for Jewish Life (Hillel) and is a founding member of YaleWomen and on its Council.

Montclair, New Jersey

Robert “Rob” Bildner, co-founder of FJC, is an attorney and entrepreneur who is active in the Jewish and secular non-profit communities and public life. Inspired by their participation in the Wexner Heritage Leadership Program, Rob and his wife Elisa founded FJC in 1998, providing seed funding to launch a public foundation dedicated solely to overnight camps with a Jewish mission. He serves FJC as co-chair of its Board of Trustees and is a member of its Executive Committee. Rob was a founding director and former treasurer of Repair the World, a national initiative seeking to engage young Jewish adults in community service. Rob is a key lay leader of several other non-profit organizations including the Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale (board member) and serves Yale University in many capacities (past member of its University Council, member of the Development Council and Parents Leadership Council, Secretary of the Class of ’72). As an entrepreneur, Rob founded several food companies, including RLB Food Distributors, a perishable food distribution and food manufacturing company, which he sold in 2007. He is a member of the World Presidents’ Organization. Before starting RLB Food Distributors, Rob served as a state government official in New Jersey and then practiced corporate law with the law firm of Lowenstein, Sandler. He received his B.A. Magna Cum Laude from Yale, his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a Master’s degree in Jewish studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.

Palo Alto, California

After a long career as a CEO and senior software executive in Silicon Valley, Jim Heeger now spends full-time working as a board member of Jewish non-profit organizations. Currently, he serves as the Board Chair of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, having joined that board in 2012. He has also been a past Chair of the Advisory Board of his local camp, URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa, California, overseeing a $23 million renovation of its facilities.

Jim’s love of Jewish summer camp began at Temple Emanuel’s Shwayder Camp in Colorado and blossomed through his sons’ bi-coastal camp experiences at URJ Eisner and URJ Swig and Newman. He believes in the power of Jewish camp to create young, committed, joyful Jews.

Jim has been involved in a number of organizations that focus on Jewish continuity. He is a past Chair of the Board of Moishe House, the Immediate Past Chair of the San Francisco Jewish Federation, and a board member of the Jewish Federations of North America. He has also been President of Hillel at Stanford, Senior Vice-chair of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, and President of Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills. Jim earned an MBA from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University and a BS in management from MIT. Jim lives in Palo Alto, California and Lenox, Massachusetts with his wife Daryl Messinger who is a past Chair of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ).

Larchmont, NY

Jeff is President of TD Cowen, a division of TD Securities, Vice Chair of TD Securities and Executive Vice President of TD Bank Group. He was Chair and CEO of Cowen from 2018 until the company’s acquisition by TD in March 2023.

Previously, Jeff was President of Cowen after serving as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Investment Banking. Before that, he was the co-portfolio manager of Cowen Investment Management’s (formerly known as Ramius) multi-strategy investment portfolio, having joined the firm at its founding in 1994.

Since 2016 Jeff has served on the Board of the Foundation for Jewish Camp and was a camper, counselor and program director at Emma Kaufmann Camp in the 1970s and 1980s. Jeff believes in leading with empathy and making a difference in the lives of others which he believes are qualities he learned at Jewish summer camp. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Partnership for NYC and the Board of Directors of UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition, he is a member of the Executive Committee of UJA-Federation of New York and Vice Chair of the Board of the Tree of Life Inc., which was formed to rebuild the Tree of Life Synagogue after the tragic shooting in 2018 and is dedicated to combating identity-based hate in all its forms.

Jeff is a member of the Committee on Capital Markets Regulation (CCMR), a non-profit organization dedicated to efficient capital markets and the stability of the financial system. He also serves on the board of the American Securities Association (ASA). A passionate advocate for small companies and emerging businesses, from 2019 – 2023, he was Vice Chair and an inaugural member of the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee.

Jeff received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Originally from Pittsburgh, he and his wife Linda reside in New York and have three grown children.

Los Angeles, California

Julie B. Platt, current Board Chair of the Jewish Federation of North America, has held top leadership roles within her Los Angeles community for many years.  Her lifelong connection with the Jewish community began at Camp Ramah in Ojai, where she serves as a Former Chair and Life Trustee.  Julie is also a member of FJC’s Board of Trustees and immediate past Chair of FJC.  Outside of the Jewish world, Julie is actively involved with the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated and met her husband, Marc.  She was the founding CO-Chair of Penn Hillel’s National Board of Governors.   Julie and Marc have five children and eight grandchildren. 

Atlanta, Georgia – Joined the board in 2014

Mark Silberman recently ran Refrigiwear, a company that made cold weather work clothing for the food industry. After 35 years he successfully engineered the sale of the company in late 2021.  

Mark is a past president of Temple Kehillat Chaim in Roswell, Georgia, as well as a past national board member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), where he served on the North American Camping (NAC) committee, budget committee, and business practices committee. A past chair of the Camp Committee for URJ Camp Coleman in Cleveland, GA a past campaign chair and board chair of the Jewish Federation Greater Atlanta.  Mark also served on the board of the American Jewish Committee and Hillels of Ga. Mark has been a primary funder and advocate of PJ Library in the Atlanta community. Mark also founded in 2013 the Jewish Camp initiative at the Atlanta Jewish Federation, which has grown to an annual budget of 1.5M.  

Mark holds a BA from American University, and lives in Atlanta with his wife Linda.  They have four grown children, and seven grandchildren attending Jewish Camp!  

Los Angeles, California

Jeffrey Wolman is an attorney, accountant, and owner & CEO of Wolman Wealth Management Inc., a business management firm that services primarily those in the entertainment business including actors, writers, directors and producers, which he founded in 1991.  He and his wife Lesley are very active members of the Los Angeles Jewish community including involvement with the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and formerly as board members of Sinai Temple of Los Angeles.  Jeff previously served as board chair of Sinai Akiba Academy, the largest Solomon Schechter day school in North America, the Treasurer and Executive Committee Member of Milken Community Schools Board of Trustees.  He is on the on the West Coast International Leadership Council for the University of Toronto and is co-chair of the Community Leadership Institute for the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.  Jeff’s Jewish identity was cemented at Camp Kadimah in Halifax, Nova Scotia, his hometown.  He attended Camp Kadimah as a camper for five years and was then on staff for five years, culminating in his position as director of the senior camp, Camp Machar at Camp Kadimah.  Jeff and Lesley both graduated from the University of Toronto and currently live in Los Angeles.  Their son Yale and daughter Serena spent several summers as campers and staff members at Camp Ramah in California.  Jeff is currently on the Executive Committee for the Foundation for Jewish Camp and has been on the board since 2014.   

Greensboro, North Carolina

Randall Kaplan is a graduate of Brown University and the University of Michigan Law School. He began his legal career in 1981, serving as a judicial clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, after which he practiced corporate and banking law at the firm of Caplin & Drysdale in Washington, D.C.

In 1987, Kaplan returned to Greensboro and entered the family business, Kay Chemical Company, a leading supplier of cleaning chemical programs to the fast-food industry. Kay was acquired by Ecolab, Inc. in 1995. Kaplan remained as president of Kay until 1999 when he left to pursue new business ventures and greater public service. He is currently the CEO of Capsule Group, a holding company involved in the real estate and car wash businesses, and Founder and Chairman of Elm Street Technology, a real estate internet software company.

Kaplan has been active with more than 20 local and national non-profit Boards. Among others, Kaplan has served on the Boards of International Hillel, JDC, AIPAC and BBYO. His involvement with International Hillel included service as both Chair of International Hillel’s Board of Trustees and Board of Governors. Throughout his service to Hillel, Kaplan has been particularly focused on organizational talent and leadership development, and is currently Co-Chair of the Board of Advisors of Hillel U. Deeply passionate about Jewish continuity, the Kaplan Family has been longtime supporters of Camp Ramah Darom in Clayton, Georgia.

Randall and his wife, Kathy Manning, share a heartfelt commitment to community service. Manning, a lawyer, was the first woman chair of Jewish Federations of North America, and was the founding board chair of Prizmah, the Center for Jewish Day Schools. They reside in Greensboro, and have three grown children.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ

Jeff retired as a Partner with Booz & Company (formerly Booz Allen and Hamilton) in 2012.  During his twenty-four years with Booz & Company, Jeff worked with senior executives of leading, global Fortune 50 companies across a broad range of industries and countries.  He specialized in business strategy, information technology strategy and operations strategy, while also supporting organization performance initiatives.

Jeff served as Chief Operating Officer for Booz Allen’s US commercial business (approximately $350 million in revenue) and was a member of the firm’s global management committee (approximately $4 billion in revenue).  He also served on multiple staff and partner appraisal and compensation committees, the New York Office Leadership Team, and was chairman of the firm’s US retirement plan.

Jeff currently serves on the Board of Trustees of The Valley Health System in Ridgewood, NJ where he previously served as Vice Chairman of the Board of the Valley Medical Group Board; as a member of the Board of the Binghamton University Foundation where he is incoming Treasurer; and as a member the Board of the JCC of Northern New Jersey where he is a past Board Chair.  In the past, he has served on the Board of the Ad Council and the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey where he is currently the Chair of the Real Estate Committee.  In addition, he currently serves as a member of the Booz Retired Partners Health Insurance Trust which manages the health insurance assets and plans for retired Booz & Company partners.

Jeff graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Math / Computer Science and Economics and graduated from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with an MBA in Finance and Marketing.

Jeff lives with his wife, Eve in Woodcliff Lake, NJ.  They have three adult children.  As a child he attended Camp Echo Lake and is proud that all three of his children attended the same camp and worked there as staff members.

Kentfield, California

Diane is the current Financial Resource Development Chair at FJC, and she is an activist Jewish community leader. After working in health care and politics, including as Executive Director of San Franciscans for Good Government, Diane began to devote her adult life to Jewish communal service. She has assumed many leadership positions for the SF Jewish Community Federation including Chair of the Marin Impact Grants Initiative, JCF Chair of Major Gifts, President of YAD, and Co-Chair of L’Atid Leadership Program. Diane has also served on the JCF Board of Trustees, the JCF Endowment Committee and the Endowment Foundation Council. She is a Past President and former Capital Campaign Co-Chair of Congregation Kol Shofar, where she served on the Board for 19 years, and a Co-Founder of the OMJCC Pre-School in Tiburon. Diane formerly has served on the Boards of Stanford University Hillel, Lehrhaus Judaica, and on the inaugural 2013 and 2014 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards National Selection Committees. She currently serves on the Brandeis Marin Day School Board of Trustees, the Urban Adamah Board and the West Coast Chairman’s Council for the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Diane is a graduate of the Wexner Heritage Foundation program and was a member of the UJA Young Leadership Cabinet, where she chaired Major Gifts. Presently, she serves on the SFMOMA Architecture + Design Accessions Committee and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Board of Trustees. She received her BA from Harvard College and her JD from Hastings College of the Law.

She grew up on the East Coast and absolutely loved attending eight-week sessions of summer camp in Maine for seven consecutive summers, and returned an eighth as a counselor. Diane and her husband Howard have three grown children who each attended Camp Ramah in Ojai and also returned as counselors, for multiple summers. Diane and Howard reside in Marin County, California.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Alison Goldstein Lebovitz joined the FJC board in 2022 and currently serves on the Communications Task Force and Nominating Committee. She is an Emmy-nominated television host, speaker, author, and podcaster who believes we each have the power and responsibility to make this world a better place. Alison is the host of The A List with Alison Lebovitz, a half-hour original interview series for WTCI/PBS, and serves as co-founder and president of One Clip at a Time, a nonprofit inspired by the Paper Clips Project and documentary. As a professional speaker, she combines her penchant for humor with her unique gift for storytelling to deliver inspiring messages about faith, philanthropy, and the power of community. She is also the author of Am I There Yet? a collection of her candid essays and life-inspired stories and in her spare time she hosts a weekly podcast with her sister called, Sis & Tell. In addition to more than two decades of active engagement and board service with her local and national Jewish Federation, Alison currently serves on the boards of JewBelong (where she is board chair), and the Tennessee Holocaust Commission. Alison is also past co-chair of National Young Leadership for Jewish Federations of North America. Alison graduated with honors from Brandeis University and holds a master’s degree in radio/TV/film from Northwestern University. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Alison’s passion for Jewish summer camp was first sparked at Camp Judaea in Hendersonville, NC, and then fueled by multiple summers at Camp Ramah in New England. She and her husband, Alan, live in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and are the proud parents of three Jewish camp alums, Arthur, Abe and Levi. 

Atlanta, GA

Joel S. Arogeti has over 35 years of experience in business law and is a talented and effective advisor and counselor to business owners and their companies. Joel served as President and CEO of Kitchens Kelley Gaynes, PC for over twenty years. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of National Bank of Commerce, a charter member of Private Bank of Buckhead’s Board of Directors, its Audit, Loan, ALCO and Executive Committees.  

An undergraduate of George Washington University, he worked for Congressman Elliott H. Levitas both in Washington, DC, and Decatur, Georgia.  He earned his law degree from Emory University’s Lamar School of Law.  Joel served as an enforcement attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission in Miami, Florida and was associated with the Dickstein Shapiro & Morin law firm in Washington D.C.  

Joel began his career in private practice in Atlanta working with Frankel Hardwick, Tanenbaum & Fink, P.C. In addition to his active business law and estate planning practice, Joel serves as a FINRA arbitrator of securities disputes and has served as private arbitrator on behalf of S.E.C. 

Joel’s significant community leadership and not-for profit involvement includes: the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, where he previously served as past Campaign Chair and member of the Board of Trustees; the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, as a past Board Chair; past President of Congregation Or VeShalom; and at Camp Barney Medintz, where he proudly served as a past Camp Committee Chair.   

Joel and his wife Beth, have four children and two grandchildren. 

Chicago, Illinois

Prior to his retirement, Richard Biller spent his career in the direct mail and plastic card manufacturing businesses. He was the founder and CEO of Production Services Associates, LLC. Currently, Rich is a principal of the Boston Equity Group, a boutique venture capital firm, which invests in various early stage business ventures.

Rich is a strong supporter of Israel and an advocate for the Jewish community in Chicago and around the world. He spends the majority of his time volunteering for various organizations, and serves on the board of directors of Kahal: Your Jewish Home Abroad, Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago, the Hillels of Illinois Governing Commission and Northwestern University Hillel. Rich and his wife, Eve, recently established the Machane Olami Program, a joint venture between Hillel International and Foundation for Jewish Camp, to bring Jewish students from around the world to serve as camp counselors in Jewish summer camps in the United States.

Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, he now splits his time between Sarasota, Florida and Chicago with his wife Eve. They have one son, Bryan, who is currently a student after serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Rich is a graduate of Northwestern University, with a BS in Economics.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Stacie Brockman has been serving on the board for Foundation for Jewish Camp since January 2023.  

She is a serial entrepreneur, passionate investor, and dedicated advisor. She began her career at the age of 21 as a founding member of COVETEUR, a content-to-commerce media company. In 2015, she co-founded Métier Creative, an award-winning branding and advertising agency. In August 2019, Stacie sold her equity stake and exited Métier to focus on her mental health, her family, and to launch a more personal project, PLZ&THX, a new-age brand incubator and venture fund.  

Stacie has a strong connection and deep love for Jewish camp. Starting at the age of 8, she attended Camp Northland B’nai Brith in Haliburton, Ontario (an FJC camp in Canada) for 13 incredible summers. 
She has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in Toronto, Canada. Stacie completed the Slingshot PJSF x 21/64 Board Leadership Course in 2021, which gave her unparalleled knowledge and preparation to be an effective board member in non-profit organizations. 

 After spending time in New York and LA, Stacie and her husband, Jay, now reside in Scottsdale, Arizona. She’s a proud boy mom to toddlers, Hudson, and Ryder, and dog, Ollie.  

Toronto, ON

Stephen Flatt is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the consumer products and retail sectors. He serves as the owner and President of Upper Canada Soap, Canada’s largest bath and beauty company, where he has led the organization for over 25 years. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its operations internationally, with offices in Toronto and London, UK. Prior to this role, Stephen held senior positions in the retail, wholesale and consumer packaged goods industries at The Oshawa Group and Product Manager at Kraft Inc. He holds an MBA in Marketing from the Schulich School of Business at York University. 

Stephen’s deep connection to Jewish camping has been a cornerstone of his personal and professional life. His parents, Ab z”l and Phyllis Flatt, have been steadfast advocates for Jewish camping, with his father serving as Chairman of Camp Ramah in Canada for nearly two decades and as a board member at the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Stephen attended Camp Ramah as a camper from 1969 to 1975 and later contributed as a staff member, fostering his lifelong dedication to the transformative impact of Jewish camping. 

Currently, Stephen serves on the Board of Camp Ramah in Canada, where he is actively involved in initiatives to enhance the camp’s infrastructure, including most recently the development of a Wellness Center and staff housing facility in memory of his father. His commitment to Jewish education extends to his service on the Board and Executive Committee of the Robbins Hebrew Academy, a Schechter Day School in Toronto. 

Stephen and his wife, Ilene, have instilled their passion for Jewish camping in their three children – Bryan, Dana, and Laura – who collectively spent 30 summers at Camp Ramah, assuming leadership roles as counselors and Rosh Edah. Their family tradition continues with Stephen’s grandchildren, who are now part of the Ramah community. 

Raanana, Israel

Shawna Goodman Sone obtained a BA in Art History from McGill University and was awarded the McGill Scarlet Key for outstanding leadership and positive impact. She graduated from the Natural Gourmet Cooking School and the Institute of Culinary Education, both in New York City. Upon graduation, she has given classes, catered and cooked for clients in New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Montreal and Israel. She acted as editor of the cookbook, Panache: Montreal’s Flair for Kosher Cooking, a project of the Auxiliary of the Sir Mortimer B. David Jewish General Hospital.

Shawna grew up in Montreal and is currently living in Ra’anana, Israel, combining her love for food and philanthropy in creating classes that celebrate Israel’s abundance while raising awareness of local charitable organizations. She met her husband while spending summers at Camp Ramah in Canada, where their three children now attend and love.

Shawna serves as Chair of the Morris & Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation, based in Montreal, and has recently joined the board of the Jewish Funders Network.

Los Angeles, California

A graduate of American University with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Jewish Studies, Marcia received her Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and post-graduate training in couples and family therapy at Cambridge Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has spent much of her professional career in the field of foster care and adoption.

Marcia is a past participant of the Wexner Heritage Foundation program and JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet. She has held many lay-leadership roles within the L.A. Federation, including Lion of Judah Chair and Women’s Philanthropy Major Gifts Chair, and has mentored young leaders through the Federation’s Community Leadership Institute. She is currently a Co-Chair of Lion of Judah Endowment.

Marcia serves on the Board of Trustees of Milken Community School, and is a past board member of de Toledo High School (formerly New Community Jewish High School.) She was a Co-Chair of de Toledo’s Head of School search committee, and served on the search committee for the Head of School of Milken Community School. Marcia serves on the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles. She is a member of the Foundation’s Cutting Edge Grants Committee and is the Chair of the Foundation’s committee on General Community Grants.

Marcia is also dedicated to women’s causes and is a past board member of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. She is a member of the Women’s Political Committee of Los Angeles, which supports and endorses female, pro-choice candidates for local, state and federal political office.

Marcia and her husband Doug are passionate supporters of Jewish camp. Doug served on the board of FJC from 2003 to 2010, and Marcia first served from 2010 to 2017, returning to the board in 2019. She spent six glorious summers at Camp Sabra on Lake of the Ozarks and was a counselor for two summers as a teen at Blue Star Camps. She and Doug have three children: Sarah, Max and Eli, and an awesome rescue dog named Sadie.

Seattle, Washington

Judy Neuman recently retired following a distinguished corporate and communal career. She had three decades of professional experience as a leader in the consumer marketplace, including having worked as a partner for venture capital firm Maveron and as managing partner at CenterStone, an Executive Search firm. Previously, Neuman was Vice-President of Interactive Media at Eddie Bauer, having started that division in 1994 and eventually created the Eddie Bauer online channel. www.eddiebauer.com launched in 1996 under Neuman’s leadership. Judy was also a co-founder of Shop.org, a national group of pioneering digital executives, which was ultimately acquired by The National Retail Federation.

From 2009-2017, Judy Neuman served as CEO of the Stroum Jewish Community Center, the only JCC in Washington State. Judy transformed the J, solidified its financial position, completed a capital campaign, and raised its profile as a credible, important organization in the community.

Judy currently serves as Secretary on the Samis Foundation Board and is the incoming Chair of its Grants Committee. Her dedicated lay leadership includes roles at the Jewish Federation (including campaign chair), Jewish Family Service, Jewish Day School and her synagogue, Herzl Ner Tamid. Judy is a Wexner Fellow from the first Seattle cohort in 1997.

Most importantly, Judy’s strong belief in the power of Jewish camping as a key ingredient to solidifying her own Jewish identity and that of kids across the country, is what drives her to engage in the camp arena and help ensure its growth and sustainability.

Miami Beach, Florida

Shelley Niceley Groff joined the FJC Board in 2018. An attorney and non-profit organizational executive by profession, Shelley currently devotes her full-time efforts to community service and activism. She is the Chair of the North American Board of the Union for Reform Judaism, which provides vision and voice to build vibrant and creative communities that, together, transform the way people connect to Judaism and change the world.  Prior to serving as Board chair, Shelley was the URJ Lay Leader for Youth and North American Camping Chair, leading the lay leadership of the URJ’s fourteen camps.   Shelley also serves on the Board of Women of Reform Judaism .  Locally, Shelley serves on the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Planning and Distribution Committee of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, as well as the Miami Jewish Community Relations Council.  Shelley and her husband Jon live in Miami Beach, Florida, and have two adult children (who are proud Jewish camp alumni) and two grandchildren.   

New York, NY

Rabbi Rex Perlmeter was ordained at HUC/JIR in 1985 and went on to serve as spiritual leader of Temple Israel of Greater Miami and the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation.  He later joined the staff at the Union for Reform Judaism where he served for five years, before leaving to establish the Jewish Wellness Center of North Jersey, a practice dedicated to supporting all engaged in “seeking Oneness in body, heart, mind and soul.”  In addition to having trained as a Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and a Spiritual Director, he received his Master of Social Work from New York University in May 2016.  Rex also serves at the Central Conference of American Rabbis as Special Advisor for Member Care and Wellness. Rex’s relationship with Jewish camping goes back to childhood as a camper and continued through rabbinic school, when he served on staff of URJ Camp Harlam.  He returned to Harlam beginning in 1996, when he and his wife, Rabbi Rachel Hertzman, joined the camp faculty, and their children Jackie, Sarah, Mitch and Nate began their years as campers and counselors.  The relationship deepened when the camp community was a mainstay for the family as they began coping with the death of Mitch at age 17 in 2011.  They established a scholarship fund in his honor which the camp has since made the primary fund for assisting families in making Jewish camping possible for their kids. Rex’s service to Jewish camping is inspired by his firsthand knowledge of the many ways in which it shapes and strengthens our children and their families. Rex joined the board of FJC in 2020. 

New York, NY

Rebecca Raphael is a New York City based writer and editor who primarily ghostwrites and edits books. She spent more than a decade working in daytime TV, supervising digital content for Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray and Katie Couric. Her freelance work has been featured in the New York Post, Jewish Week, Jewish Journal, Marie Claire, Seventeen, and in the forthcoming book On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.  

 She is also a mom of three young children, a committed conservative Jew, and an involved member of Park Avenue Synagogue. Rebecca’s children have attended numerous Jewish camps including Camp Alonim at American Jewish University (where Rebecca was a camper and counselor in the 80s and 90s), Camp Ramah in the Berkshires, Six Points Sports Academy, Ramah Sports Academy, Perlman Camp, and Camp Modin. Rebecca became an FJC board member because she believes that Jewish summer camp is the “secret sauce” of a childhood infused with joyful Judaism and a positive Jewish identity for years to come.  

Atlanta, GA

Tom Rosenberg is a purpose-driven executive with more than 30 years of experience leading transformational change and sustainable growth at camps and across the American camp field.

Tom’s career is a testament to the transformative power of immersive summer learning programs. He firmly believes that these experiences are crucial in shaping young people, helping them develop resilience, character, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the programs themselves to the youth as they grow and to their communities.

As President/CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA), Tom led the 115-year-old organization to become a national unified voice for camp experiences, benefiting more than 26 million youth annually. Prior to ACA, Tom dedicated decades to leading non-profit Camp Judaea and, before that, family-owned Blue Star Camps, both overnight camps in North Carolina. Tom was shaped by his own Jewish camp experiences as a camper and summer staff member with the Popkin family at Blue Star.

Tom’s experiences leading the national field have solidified his conviction that every young person deserves opportunities to learn, grow, and build confidence in inspiring and challenging environments. He remains deeply committed to leveraging strategic leadership and collaboration to expand access to quality experiences that help all youth reach their full potential.

Tom earned an MBA with distinction from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California and a BS in Management from the AB Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. Tom and his wife, Pam Sugarman, and their son, Daniel, live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Deerfield, Illinois

Susan Sacks is a long-time active leader in the Chicago Jewish community and works passionately to engage more teens in Judaism through camp, Israel experiences, and Jewish music. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, Jewish National Fund-Illinois, and Chicago’s Jewish Women Foundation.

Nationally, Susan serves as an active member of the board of Jewish Rock Radio (JRR) and recently joined the lay leadership of the Alexander Muss High School in Israel program where she focuses on recruiting students, engaging alumni, and developing partnerships with day schools, synagogues, and camps.

Growing up, Susan attended Jewish summer camps as a camper, counselor, unit head, and director of CIT programming. Susan earned her MSW from Hunter College in NYC and a BS in Psychology & Education from SUNY Oneonta. She also worked as a school worker and Human Resources professional.

A native of Long Island, New York, Susan and her husband Marc currently reside in the Chicagoland area and have three adult sons.

Key Biscayne, FL

Diane Lipson Schilit of Key Biscayne, Florida and Bethesda, Maryland has been a long-time fan of and supporter of Jewish camping and communal organizations. She joined the FJC board in 2020. While Diane never attended Jewish overnight camp as a child, she spent six summers working at Camp Ramah in New England.  Her husband Howard was on the waterfront staff at Camp Ramah in Glen Spey, NY and their three children attended Camp Judaea in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Diane has been deeply involved in many Jewish organizations in leadership capacities, including the University of Maryland Hillel, University of Miami Hillel, Hillel International, and currently serves as capital campaign chair of University of Florida Hillel.  She also is involved in the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.  She serves on the board of directors as Co-President of the Board of the Den Collective.  Diane also works with her adult children on the Schilit family’s innovative crowdfunding tzedakah initiative, Righteous Crowd, which helps vulnerable populations worldwide. Diane earned a B.A. in Special Education from the University of Florida (including a year study at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem), and a M.S. in Personnel Administration from American University.  Professionally, Diane served for 15 years as the Program and Youth Director of B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Maryland, where she currently is a trustee of the synagogue.  Also in Rockville, Maryland, Diane serves on the strategic advisory cabinet of the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School.  Diane and Howard’s children are alumni of the school, and three of their six grandchildren are current students.  

Madison, WI

Diane Seder is the retired chair of the Board of Milwaukee Valve Company, a formerly family-owned manufacturer of commercial and Naval marine valves.
 
She is a Past President and current member of the Board and the Executive Committee of the Jewish Federation of Madison, WI and past chair of the board of the University of Wisconsin Hillel.  Seder chairs the Development committee of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. 
 
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in art history and French from the University of Vermont in 1974 and is Chair Emerita of the UVM Foundation.
 
Diane has a long history of engagement with and support for Camp Interlaken JCC in Eagle River, Wisconsin. 
 
Married to Bruce Rosen, they reside in Madison, Wisconsin, and have three children: Ilana, Sophie, and Eli and 4 grandchildren.

Cleveland, Ohio

Anita grew up in Cleveland, OH, where she still lives with her husband, Michael D. Siegal.  Anita is a retired Speech-Language Pathologist whose career focused on children as well as geriatric patients.  She serves on the National Board of Women’s Division of Israel Bonds and is also a founding member of 100+ Women of Southwest Florida, an organization providing funds to local 501(c)(3) charities in the Naples, Florida area and volunteers at The Gathering Place (a caring community center for those touched by cancer).  Anita is a Wexner Heritage Alumna (Cleveland 2) and she and Michael have three adult children and five grandchildren.  Anita watched her own daughter’s journey of self-discovery which was profoundly influenced and enhanced by her Jewish camp experiences.  In 2014, the Siegals endowed the One Happy Camper program in Cleveland, Ohio due their strong belief that “by providing these children with Jewish camping experiences, they will discover the joy of being Jewish and want to continue celebrating their heritage throughout their lives.” 

New York, NY & Hawley, PA

Jeffrey M. Skier is Vice President of AMSkier Insurance, which specializes in Children’s Summer Camp Insurance.  Jeff, together with his father, Henry, and sister, Aimee, work together in helping to grow and develop AMSkier’s status as a strategic partner and insurance resource for their camp client community throughout the United States and Israel. 

He was born and raised in Honesdale, Pa. and attended summer camp at Trail’s End Camp for fourteen incredibly formative years.  Jeff graduated from Syracuse University in 1993 and studied at the College of Insurance. 

Jeff’s community involvement currently includes serving on the American Camp Association NY/NJ Affiliate Board of Directors, on the Project Morry Board of Directors, on the S.C.O.P.E Board of Directors, on the Wayne Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, as well as many other organizations in other volunteer roles. 

He and his wife Sari, live primarily in NYC with the balance in Hawley, PA.  Together they have three children ages 19, 16 and 13.  Jeff lives and breathes summer camp and is committed to making an impact and helping to serve the Jewish community. 

Boca Raton, Florida
Los Angeles, California

Jim Sokolove is an attorney known for advertising legal services on television. The son of a personal injury lawyer, Jim took over his father’s family law practice and, over the course of 35 years, grew Sokolove Law into a leading national firm. By 2009, his successful marketing strategy earned recognition by AdAge Magazine in 2009 as “The Law Firm That Operates As An Ad Agency”.

Sokolove was raised in Revere, Massachusetts. He received a B.A. from Case Western Reserve University in 1966 and a juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 1969. He also holds an OPM certificate from Harvard Business School.

Jim has been actively involved with Hebrew College, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston, and UC Santa Barbara Hillel. He has also been a longtime board member of Greater Boston Legal Services and the American Bar Association. In addition to his generous philanthropy, Jim cares deeply about Jewish continuity and sees Jewish camp as key to a stronger Jewish future.

Jim and his wife Stephanie love spending time with their adult children and their families, including 11 grandchildren. They split their time between Boca Raton and Los Angeles.

New York, New York

Joe Teplow founded Rebel, an email technology company focused on making email actionable, now acquired by Salesforce. He also co-founded and serves as a board member at GoodToday.org, a non-profit platform with the mission of making charity a daily habit for thousands. Joe was named as one of Forbes 30 Under 30 – Social Entrepreneurs in 2020. At age 19, he was featured in Jewish Week’s 36 under 36.

Joe grew up in Teaneck, NJ and was a longtime camper and counselor and EMT at Camp Moshava in Indian Orchard, Pennsylvania. Joe credits Moshava and camp as the most formative experiences in his spiritual development and Jewish identity.

New York, New York

Samuel E. Vichness,* “Skip,” is a senior partner in the management company, Quality Camping Properties, Inc. and President of GreyPine, LLC. He oversees camping operations on both owned and rented sites, day and resident camps, throughout the northeastern United States. Presently, with his partners, he is involved in camping operations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maine, and Connecticut. A recognized expert in the camping field, Skip has presented seminars and has been a speaker at professional conferences throughout the United States, Canada, Israel, the Former Soviet Union, and Europe. He is a past president of the New York section of the ACA and past chair of the Tri-State Camp Conference. Skip is a recipient of ACA’s National Honor Award and the Tri State Service Award. He is also past president of the Golda Och Academy (formerly the Solomon Schechter of Essex and Union) and the National Ramah Commission. A Wexner Heritage program graduate, he is a past chair of the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Skip was also the founding president of the Ben Appelbaum Foundation, a business incubator, founded to honor his former business partner. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Governors for Hillel International. Skip is a member of the board of trustees of Randolph Macon College, where he chairs the finance committee and was the recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award. He resides in Manhattan, with his wife Ilana, as do their children, Ittamar, & Aileen and Shai, and one grandson.

Tenafly, New Jersey

Peter J. Weidhorn is the immediate past chair of FJC’s board of directors. Currently, a consultant, corporate director, and private investor in the multifamily housing market, Peter has over 45 years of experience in the management, acquisition, disposition, and financing of multifamily real estate. Peter is a past Chair of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). Before becoming URJ chair, he led the North American camping committee of the URJ and was instrumental in crafting the camp movement structure. Peter resides in Tenafly, New Jersey.