The JF&CS Annual Meeting on May 16, 2025, brought together board members, staff, and community members for a meaningful recap of the year’s accomplishments, and a look ahead to the future. While formally a Board Meeting that installed new leadership, the breakfast gathering felt more like a reunion—filled with warmth, connection, and a shared sense of purpose.
We thank Congregation B’nai Torah for once again hosting us in their beautiful facility. While the host Rabbi typically gives the D’var Torah, Rabbi Joshua Z. Heller invited JF&CS Community Chaplain Rabbi Judith R. Beiner to lead the prayer in honor of her upcoming retirement.
This year’s event highlighted significant updates and bold plans on the horizon. Inspiring awards were presented to both internal team members and community partners whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the mission and work of JF&CS.
Special Guests included:
Deborah Silcox, State Representative; Renee Kutner, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta; Anat Sultan Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States; Past Board Chairs of JF&CS; Past Board Members of JF&CS; Judith N. Cohen Society and Life and Legacy participants; Individual and Corporate Donors & Sponsors; JF&CS Volunteers; and JF&CS Staff.
L-R: Terri Bonoff, Anat Sultan-Dadon, and Jon Amsler
Outgoing Board Chair Report:
Jon Amsler, Outgoing Board Chair, highlighted that despite continuing obstacles, JF&CS continues to deliver to the community. In the face of war and continued antisemitism worldwide, “we are pushing forward on initiatives and outreach to the Jewish community, schools and college students to ensure they are supported and emotionally healthy.”
Regarding recent reductions in federal funding, Jon highlighted that because JF&CS has chosen to rely on other revenue streams like donors and the greater community, JF&CS is thankfully “barely impacted” by cuts in federal contracts. Still, to make the agency more “durable, more responsive and more innovative,” the agency will be working with new partners to increase its JF&CS Foundation.
CEO Report:
“This morning is about a ‘changing of the guards,” said Terri Bonoff, CEO of JF&CS. She pointed out that the term “guard” means “to protect,” and thanked Jon, the board and so many others who have protected JF&CS through the years. As far as the first part of the phrase, “change,” Terri announced that after six dedicated years of service, she will be stepping down as CEO in order to focus on building the JF&CS Foundation. “I am a firm believer that we always have the right leader for the right time,” she assured the room.
Deborah Silcox addressed the crowd
Awards:
Special Honor: to Deborah Silcox for her tireless work in helping pass legislation to provide significant funding for the Ben Massell Dental Clinic, presented by Terri. “You heroically took this on,” remarked Terri. “I was advised that getting this done in the first year…would be near to impossible…you passed legislation this session…that guarantees that the work of the 126-year-old Ben Massell Dental Clinic will continue to deliver its powerful punch.”
Ann Kay (far right) celebrated with her family
Herbert Kohn Meritorious Service Award: presented to Ann Kay
Created in 1983 to recognize a Board member’s outstanding contribution to the agency’s Board of Directors. “Ann has done as much—if not more—for JF&CS than anyone we can think of,” said Carly Siegel, last year’s winner, who went on to call Ann a source of “strength, inspiration and guidance” and thanked her for “continuing to build the future of JF&CS through your example.”
L-R: Shelly Schwartzenfeld and Arlene Marcus
Arlene Marcus Volunteer of the Year Award: presented to Shelly Schwartzenfeld.
Created in 2024 to recognize a volunteer who demonstrates the JF&CS mission and values with “unwavering compassion, integrity and dedication,” Shelly “offers not just her time, but her heart” to the One Good Deed program,” said award namesake Arlene Marcus.
L-R: Gilda Davis and Mira Cohen
The Stacy G. Fialkow Staff Award: presented to Mira Cohen, Senior Manager of Creative Strategy at JF&CS.
The Stacy G. Fialkow Staff Award, established in 2003, is presented for “exemplary service and dedication” to the agency, and recognizes a staff member’s achievements while providing incentive for additional professional growth. “Mira is always there to lend a hand,” said Gilda Davis, last year’s recipient, who also praised Mira’s skills in collaboration, dedication and creativity.
Jon Amsler is recognized for his board service
We extend heartfelt gratitude to the members of our Board:
Completing Board Service:
Rashelle Berry, Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Madger, Sid Besmertnik, and Todd Surden
Continuing Board Service:
Lauren Abes, Sandra Block, Jay Cranman, Ellen Feinsand, Ann Kay, Sara Kogon, Kim Kopelman, Bruce Lindemann, Victoria Raggs, Dayna Royal, Carly Siegel, Phil Ventimiglia, and Suzy Wilner
New Board Members:
Gary Alembik, Ron Kirschner, Shilvi Leinwand, and Stephen Levy
2025-2026 Board of Directors:
Board Chair: Deborah Jacobs
Vice Chair: Scott Rittenberg
Secretary: Melana McClatchey
Treasurer: Ron Kirschner
Assistant Treasurer: Gennye Krasner
Chair of Resource Development: David Poline
Chair of Board Governance: Mimi Hall
Immediate Past Chair: Jon Amsler
In conclusion, new Board Chair Deborah Jacobs gave her first remarks, which included the three key ways she sees to ensure JF&CS continues to thrive: “be an advocate, stay nimble, and strive for better—always.”
Wise words from Deborah, and a great start to the next year for JF&CS.