Jewish Free Loan adds, promotes staff
Jewish Free Loan recently announced two staff changes.
Gail Holtzman Gilmartin has signed on as director of development. She will be responsible for the
oversight, creation and implementation of Jewish Free Loan’s various fundraising and development endeavors.
Gail is an experienced fundraiser, event planner and volunteer coordinator. She has worked with a number of high-profile organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Special Olympics Arizona, the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona and the Fiesta Bowl. Most recently, Gail served as the executive director of the Council for Jews with Special Needs.
Ellen Sacks has been promoted to associate executive director of Jewish Free Loan. Ellen has been with the organization since 2010, serving as a board member before joining the staff in June 2012 as JFL’s first director of programs and public relations. Ellen has been a Jewish communal professional for more than 17 years, working with several well-respected organizations, including the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, and the SOVA Kosher Food Pantry and Resource Center (Los Angeles).
Jewish Free Loan provides interest-free loans to members of the Jewish community, helping individuals and families navigate life’s ups and downs … and everything in between.
602-230-7983, jewishfreeloan.org
Jessica Berg new COO of STEP
Jessica Berg is starting a new position as chief operating officer with STEP, the Student Expedition Program. STEP’s mission is to equip low-income, first-generation, college-bound Arizona students with the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills to successfully transition to college and obtain a college degree.
Jessica has served as the executive director of Congregation Kehillah since 2013. Previously, she was the executive director of the Lodestar Day Resource Center, 2006-2013. Often referred to as the “hub” of the 12-acre Human Services Campus, the LDRC is a safe, engaging, holistic community that empowers people to end their homelessness and create positive, long-term life changes. Before her work at the LDRC, Jessica was the special assistant to the Maricopa County manager through the National Urban Fellowship scholarship. She continues to draw on her past experiences as an art therapist with various populations and as a JCC camp director and program coordinator. Jessica has worked and volunteered in Phoenix, New York City, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., and Israel. She has a master of public administration from Baruch College, The City University of New York, a master of art therapy from The George Washington University and a bachelor of arts from Duke University. In 2011 she was a finalist for the City of Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Athena Awards. Jessica is passionate about finding solutions, creating community and collaborations, facilitating positive social change and furthering human rights. She is also passionate about her family, husband, Al Aguinaga, and 2-year-old son, Asher. stepexpedition.org
Congregation Kehillah hires Renee Joffe
Congregation Kehillah welcomes Renee Joffe as its new administrator.
Renee was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, and moved to Phoenix 17 years ago. She married her soulmate, Jay Katz, in February 2002 and has been mom to his two children ever since. Their daughter, Rachael, will be 17 in April; their son, Andy, will be 16 in May.
Renee enjoys spending quality time with her mom, who moved to Scottsdale to be closer to her. If you can’t find Renee at home, there is a pretty good chance she is on her yoga mat. The highlight of 2014 for Renee was being on the committee of her 30th high school reunion and attending it, as well.
Renee is a familiar face in the Jewish community, as she has held positions at Temple Chai, Beth El Congregation and other nonprofits in the Valley. She brings with her a host of innovative ideas and an abundance of energy. Renee feels laughter truly is the best medicine, and you will always see a smile on her face.
Congregation Kehillah is an independent congregation located in north Scottsdale.
info@congregationkehillah.org
