EXECUTIVES
Michael Balaban
President and Chief Executive Officer
(954) 252-6954 | mbalaban@jewishbroward.org
Michael Balaban joined the Federation in January 2016 as the President and Chief Executive Officer. His non-profit management experience spans more than 28 years. Previously he served as the Chief Development Officer for the Atlanta Jewish Federation and before that as Director of Development for Penn Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Fellowship in 1992 and graduated with a Master's in Public Administration from University of Southern California and a Masters in Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College. He is an alumnus of the inaugural class of JFNA's Fundraising University. Serving the community as the President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County is a dream realized for Michael.
Bruce Yudewitz
Chief Operating Officer
(954) 252-6979 | byudewitz@jewishbroward.org
Bruce has been working for the Federation as the Chief Operating Officer for ten and a half years. He has a Master Degree in Jewish Communal Service and has held professional leadership positions in South Florida Federations for the last 26 years. Bruce's favorite part about working for Federation is having the opportunity to team up with extraordinary volunteers and professionals, in order to solve challenges facing our community.
Heather Barraza
Chief Financial Officer
(954) 252-6921 | hbarraza@jewishbroward.org
Heather joined the Federation team as the Chief Financial Officer three years ago. She graduated with a Masters of Taxation from Florida Atlantic University. Prior to her work at the Federation, Heather was a supervisor in the Tax and Accounting Department for the CPA firm Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra for nine years. Heather enjoys working with a great team of professional and lay leaders to ensure our organization's financial health and success.
Rabbi Arnie Samlan
Chief Jewish Education Officer
(954) 660-2073 | asamlan@jewishbroward.org
Rabbi Arnie leads the Jewish Education and Engagement team, having integrated his work directing the Orloff Central Agency for Jewish Education with the Jewish Federation. Over his 40+ year career as a Jewish educational leader, he has served in lead roles in Jewish communal agencies as well as in synagogues, Zionist organizations, and summer camps. He specializes in sharing his passion for Jewish living, learning and leadership and in developing and supporting our community's work in all areas of Jewish and Israel engagement.
Ana Ehrlich
Chief Marketing Officer
(954) 252-6962 | aehrlich@jewishbroward.org
Ana joined the professional team of the Federation in March of 2013 as our VP of Events. Prior to her work at the Federation, Ana ran her own events production company and also comes with a strong background in Jewish nonprofit work, having worked in various South Florida Jewish communities. Ana's favorite part about being a team member of the Jewish Federation is having a daily opportunity to collaborate with her colleagues and lay leadership in creating moments and experiences that will enhance the passion our donors have for our community. Ana is very proud to work for an organization that gave her the opportunity to attend the March of the Living 1992 on a scholarship.
"I believe that being a part of something larger than yourself, is truly the only way to grow as a person and as a professional" – Ana G. Ehrlich
Keith Goldmann
Chief Philanthropy Officer
(954) 660-2085 | kgoldmann@jewishbroward.org
Keith is currently the Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Jewish Community Foundation and Jewish Federation of Broward County. He began working for the Federation in March 2005. He has his Bachelor Degree in Finance and Economics and prior to joining the Federation team over thirteen years ago, he was the Associate Director of the United Way of Miami-Dade. Keith's favorite part of working as part of the Federation team is getting to meet many people from all walks of life with a common goal of assisting Jewish people locally and globally.
PROFESSIONALS
Paulette Ancrum
Administrative Assistant
(954) 252-6971 | pancrum@jewishbroward.org
Paulette joined the Federation team in August 2018 as the Administrative Assistant to the Orloff Department of Education and Engagement. She brings over 13 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She enjoys working with a team of professionals who truly love and support our local community and people throughout the world.
Jen Appel
Chief Philanthropy Officer
(954) 660-2085 | kgoldmann@jewishbroward.org
Keith is currently the Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Jewish Community Foundation and Jewish Federation of Broward County. He began working for the Federation in March 2005. He has his Bachelor Degree in Finance and Economics and prior to joining the Federation team over thirteen years ago, he was the Associate Director of the United Way of Miami-Dade. Keith's favorite part of working as part of the Federation team is getting to meet many people from all walks of life with a common goal of assisting Jewish people locally and globally.
Rochelle Baltuch
Vice President, Jewish Engagement, March of the Living
(954) 252-6971 | pancrum@jewishbroward.org
Rochelle joined Orloff CAJE in 1991 as Assistant Director in South Broward, after serving as Education Director at Adath Yeshurun in North Miami Beach for 13 years. Her position continues to include working with our Broward County Jewish schools and their teachers, providing professional development and networking opportunities. Additionally, her participation in the first March of the Living in 1988, and seeing the impact it makes on all participants, led to her being named Regional Director upon joining CAJE. The March is her passion and she looks forward to reconnecting with our alumni and continuing to increase numbers, both teens and adults, along with helping the Jewish Federation of Broward County grow support for this incredible program.
Chai Care Director
954-252-6952 | ecohen@jewishbroward.org
Esther Cohen joined the professional team of the Federation in September 2018 as Chai Care Director, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation. Prior to joining Federation, Esther worked in the medical and health care communities for over 30 years, gaining knowledge and experience in pharmaceutical and hospice marketing experience. Additionally, she assisted patients and families by providing concierge professional care management for individuals ages 65+. Esther loves the fact that at the Federation she can perform "tikkun olam" each and every day, feeling truly blessed to make a difference in people's lives.
Renee Davis
Chief Philanthropy Officer
(954) 660-2085 | kgoldmann@jewishbroward.org
Keith is currently the Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Jewish Community Foundation and Jewish Federation of Broward County. He began working for the Federation in March 2005. He has his Bachelor Degree in Finance and Economics and prior to joining the Federation team over thirteen years ago, he was the Associate Director of the United Way of Miami-Dade. Keith's favorite part of working as part of the Federation team is getting to meet many people from all walks of life with a common goal of assisting Jewish people locally and globally.
Manager of Israel Partnerships & Missions
(954) 368-8749 | ldonner@jewishbroward.org
Lital grew up in Tel-Aviv, Israel. She served for 5 years in the education unit of the IDF and achieved the rank of Officer. Lital trained new immigrants to Israel (Olim), providing them the tools to learn Hebrew, understand the Israeli and Jewish story and become acclimated within Israeli society. The passion for Jewish education led Lital to work for Taglit – Birthright Israel after her army service, study Jewish education in Seminar-Hakibutzim college in Tel-Aviv, and become a Jewish Agency Israel Fellow at Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach, educating and connecting college students to Israel. After three years of bringing Israel to campus, Lital moved on to her next chapter of professional work as Director of Youth and Family Programming at Congregation Kol Tikvah in Parkland. Living in the diaspora has made a great impact on Lital's understanding of the importance of Jewish community; it is a family. Lital is committed to connecting people to people - anywhere.
Women's Philanthropy Associate
(954) 252-6925 | jflansbaum@jewishbroward.org
Julie moved to South Florida from New York City in August 2014. She joined the Federation Team as the Executive Assistant to our President & CEO, CDO and COO. Julie is excited to continue her professional journey at Federation in her role as Women's Philanthropy Associate. She holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College and a BA in Government from Franklin and Marshall College. She served as a Director of an early childhood activities center in Manhattan for twelve years. Julie enjoys being able to interact with our donors and members of the community.
Director, Eastside Community and
Women's Executive Circle
ageysman@jewishbroward.org
Alona moved from Toronto, Canada to start her career at the Federation in 2012 and works as the Director of the Eastside Community and Women's Executive Circle. Originally born in the Ukraine, and having made Aliyah to Israel as a child and then eventually to Canada, Alona understands first-hand the great impact Federation has had on her own family's life, as well as other former-Soviet Jews. Upon graduating from York University with a double degree in Psychology and Law & Society, Alona chose to work in Jewish non-profit sector as a way of ‘paying it forward' and worked at Hillel of Greater Toronto coordinating Birthright Israel trips and doing outreach for Russian Jewish students. Alona says, "I am forever in debt to the Jewish community and the generous donors who had saved my family and had given me the opportunity to be where I am today".
Vice President of Community Planning
(954) 660-2078 | egoldman@jewishbroward.org
Evan Goldman joined the Federation in February 2018 as the Vice President of Community Planning and has extensive not-for-profit, government and private sector experience in the areas of public policy, organizational development, law, grassroots advocacy, fundraising and communications strategy. Prior to joining the Federation, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Helping Abused, Neglected, Disadvantaged Youth (HANDY) and held successive leadership positions at the Children's Services Council of Broward County. Evan earned a B.A. from American University and J.D. from the University of Miami. He is inspired each and every day by the unyielding commitment of Federation professionals and lay leaders to tikkun olam.
Campaign Operations Analyst
mgoldstein@jewishbroward.org
Margot joined the Federation team in December 2017 as the Donor Help Desk Associate. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and her Paralegal Certification. Before having her twins, Margot worked for a Miami-Dade County Commissioner for 7.5 years as the District Constituent Outreach and Government Liaison. In her new role, Margot is most looking forward to building relationships with our donors and assisting those in our Community to find the Jewish services they seek.
Manager of Israel Partnerships & Missions
(954) 368-8749 | tgonzalezr@jewishbroward.org
Tammy
Vice President - Senior Donor Relationship Manager
(954) 252-6936 | pgottlieb@jewishbroward.org
Pamela joined the Federation team in 2001 and has held a number of roles, including PAC Director, Business & Professionals Director, Women's Executive Circle Director, Major Gifts Director, Campaign Director and is currently Vice President, Senior Donor Relationship Manager. She has her degree in Accounting and is passionate about making an impact in the Jewish community. Pamela's favorite part about working for the Federation is interacting with our passionate, dedicated donors and helping them make their philanthropic dreams come true.
Barbara Levin
Director of Allocations, Grants & Governance
(954) 252-6970 | blevin@jewishbroward.org
Barbara is the Director of Allocations, Grants and Governance. She joined the Federation in July 2016, after a long career in direct services, having served as lead job developer, manager, director, and executive director with nonprofits serving refugees, blind adults, senior citizens, children with special needs and low-income families. She holds a Master's degree in education and absolutely loves being able to work with the Broward Jewish community to strengthen agencies, impact lives, and build up our community, through the work we do here at the Federation.
Jodi Levy
Man
(954) 368-8749 | jlevy@jewishbroward.org
Jodi
Eileen Lowenstein
Ma
(954) 368-8749 | elowenstein@jewishbroward.org
Eileen
Orly Mayer
Graphic Designer
(954) 252-6911 | omayer@jewishbroward.org
Orly joined the Jewish Federation of Broward County communications team in June 2017. She has her Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts and an Associates Degree in Graphic Design. Orly loves to translate the message and impact of our Federation through her art and design.
Kawai Moore
Man
(954) 368-8749 | kmoore@jewishbroward.org
Kawai joined the Broward Federation a year ago as an Administrative Assistant for Annual Campaign. She comes with over 20 years experience working in Jewish non-profit including the Anti-Defamation League and most recently the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Kawai comes with a strong technology background and is proud to use her skills to further the goals of such a dynamic and caring organization like Broward Federation.
Elaina Moran
Ma
(954) 368-8749 | emoran@jewishbroward.org
Elaina
Sharon Ness
Vice President - Corporate Development
(954) 252-6959 | sness@jewishbroward.org
Sharon is Vice-President of Corporate Development and has worked for the Federation for a total of fifteen years. Sharon worked at the South Broward Federation for five years as the Executive Director of the Women's Division, before becoming the Executive Director of Israel Bonds for Broward County, Dade County, the Keys, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Following Israel Bonds, Sharon became a Director at American Friends of The Hebrew University in South Florida. Sharon rejoined the Federation professional team in 2007. Sharon has devoted her career to serving Israel and the underprivileged and she feels blessed to make a difference in people's lives.
Accounts Payable Specialist
(954) 660-2079 | mnudelman@jewishbroward.org
Merav Nudelman joined the Federation team in February 2018 as the Accounts Payable Specialist. Merav moved to the United States from Israel in 2013. Prior to her work at the Federation, she worked in the accounting department for the Consulate of Israel in Miami for 5 years. She graduated with Masters of Public Administration. Merav enjoys being a part of a great financial team of professionals and she is proud to be a part of an organization that is making a positive impact locally and globally.
Allison O'Mara
Director, North Broward Community
(954) 660-2081 | aomara@jewishbroward.org
Allison is a long time resident of Parkland. She has significant experience in the Jewish community, most recently at the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, where she helped create their Jewish Volunteer Center. Allison's strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills make her an excellent fit to allow our Federation to build our presence in North Broward.
Accounts Receivable
(954) 252-6906 | aotoole@jewishbroward.org
Alida joined the Federation professional team ten years ago. She moved to the United States from Argentina in the 1980s and began her career, working in accounts payable-receivable, shortly thereafter. Alida is passionate about the work of the Federation and is thrilled to a part of an organization that is making an impact in communities locally and internationally.
Administrative Assistant
(954) 252-6919 | breid@jewishbroward.org
Beverley joined the Jewish Federation over fourteen years ago as an Administrative Assistant. She has an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Broward College and prior to joining our Federation; she worked at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation for many years. Beverley says that she has learned a lot working in a Jewish organization and admires the desire to help those in need. Her favorite part about working for the Broward Federation is being able to provide support and answers to our donors, callers or colleagues.
Stacey Rubenfeld
Vice-President of Annual Giving
(954)252-6942 | srubenfeld@jewishbroward.org
Stacey joined the Federation team in 2018 as the Vice President of Annual Giving. With over 15 years in non-profit and organizational management, Stacey has a successful track record in fundraising and program evaluation. Stacey has worked with non-profits in the education and healthcare fields building relationships with funders, executives, boards and community supporters to successfully meet the set fundraising goals. Stacey holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Cleveland State University, Master of Public Administration from the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, and a Graduate Certificate in Local and Urban Management. Working for the Federations gives her the opportunity to give back to the community where she is raising her family.
Sydney Gorodetsky
Director, Young Leadership Division &
Family Engagement Committee
(954) 252-6886 | sgorodetsky@jewishbroward.org
Sydney has been working for the Federation since June 2016 as the Director of Young Leadership Division and Family Engagement Committee. She is a UF graduate and has her Master in Nonprofit Management from Florida Atlantic University. Sydney's favorite part of working for Federation is having the opportunity to meet and work with people in the Broward community and showing them what incredible projects Federation supports.
Barbara Seiden
MIS Director
(954) 252-6903 | bseiden@jewishbroward.org
Barbara will celebrate her 25th anniversary working for the Federation this year. She began her career working for the Campaign and later moved on to positions working in Finance, MIS, web design, administration and database administrator.
Executive Assistant to President & CEO and COO
(954) 252-6976 | esmith@jewishbroward.org
Ella joined the Federation in September 2014, after a 20-year career as an Executive Assistant in the cruise industry. Ella says that it is incredible working with the other Federation professionals and experiencing their passion for helping the Jewish community, which highlights their philanthropic spirit.
Mitchell Tapper
Security Director
(954) 252-6972 | mtapper@jewishbroward.org
Mitchell came on board with the Federation during the middle of 2016 after having retired as a Federal Agent for twenty-six years. Prior to his federal career, Mitchell worked as a Detective in New York City for four years. Mitchell has worked a myriad of complex criminal investigations, as well as having been trained as a technical support officer in many areas of electronic surveillance. He was also the President of Southeast chapter of the National Technical Investigators' Association for six years. Mitchell's favorite part about working for the Federation is having the ability to use his years of experience and law enforcement training to help deter and stop threats to the Jewish community.
Marney Tokar
PJ Library® Director
(954) 252-6948 | pjlibrary@jewishbroward.org
Marney joined the Federation team in 2011 as the PJ Library® Director, beginning her "encore career" following her "retirement" from 25 years as Jewish Early Childhood educator. She is passionate about the opportunity to connect, engage and impact families in our community through PJ Library's books, music and events. Marney's favorite part of working for Federation is the ability to incorporate her experience with the values and culture of the organization.
Stephenie Whitfield
Controller - Foundation
(954) 252-6917 | swhitfield@jewishbroward.org
Stephenie joined the Federation in 2002 as a Staff Accountant and currently serves as the Controller – Foundation, with Human Resources responsibilities as well. She is graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a B. A. in Business Administration. Stephenie believes that her employment at the Federation is more than job; she considers it to be a mission. She is grateful to be a part of an organization that has such a positive impact on people in our local community and throughout the world. Stephenie's community involvement includes serving as Treasurer of a local non-profit organization, Vice Chair of a Public Art Board and facilitator for a Financial Peace University (a national personal finance education program).
Assistant Director, March of the Living
(954)368-8747 | awildstein@jewishbroward.org
Amy joined our Federation team after attending the March of the Living in 2017. She began her Federation involvement as a passionate lay leader in Miami, and chaired various boards and committees in the South Florida Jewish Community. She is a past member of JFNA's National Young Leadership Cabinet and is a Wexner Heritage Fellow. After a lifetime in Miami she recently moved to Broward County and will combine her passion for Jewish education and her love of Israel, culminating in her involvement in the March of the Living. Amy is excited to join the Jewish Federation of Broward County in a professional capacity.
Director, Jewish Women's Foundation &
Horizons Young Leadership Program
(954) 252-6978 | kzemel@jewishbroward.org
Karen joined the Federation team as a professional in 2016 as the Director of the Jewish Women's Foundation and in 2018 assumed the additional role as Director of the Horizons Leadership Program. Her involvement with Federation began as a passionate lay leader. Karen held a number of leadership roles, most notable were serving as Board Chair (2009 -2012) and on the Board of Trustees for the Jewish Federations of North America (2009 -2015). Karen has a breadth of development experience having been the Director of Development for Hillel of Broward County, Owner of Karen J. Zemel Consulting, and as the Assistant Director at Kesher LD. Karen is focused on increasing opportunities in the lives of Jewish women and girls. Karen's favorite part about working at Federation is the people she meets each day who share her passion for the Jewish community and Israel.
Jonathan Zucker
Senior Donor Relations Manager
(954) 660-2082 | jzucker@jewishbroward.org
Jonathan Zucker joined Federation in June 2018 after 20+ years in the investment world. He spent his teenage years in Jerusalem, was a member of Israel's 1st ice hockey team and served in the IDF. He received his BA from McGill University in Montreal, Canada and recently completed advanced training in Development work at Northwestern University. Jon is excited to channel his knowledge and passion in ways that will strengthen the Federation's capacity to serve Broward County's Jewish community instate and in its relationship to Israel.