The JF&CS Annual Meeting took place Friday, May 17 at Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs. JF&CS employees, community leaders and board members came together to recognize top employees and volunteers and review the previous year. The breakfast meeting felt more like a reunion, with attendees mingling and talking over coffee and bagels, catching up and sharing stories and laughs before business got underway.
Jon Amsler, the chair of the JF&CS board, welcomed everyone to “celebrate another year of community impact,” and Temple Sinai Rabbi Brad Levenberg led the group in a thoughtful D’var Torah. Outside of the staff and Board of Directors, guests included Jeff Gopen, CEO of Jewish Home Life and Eric Robbins, CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.
Terri Bonoff and Jon Amsler
CEO REPORT:
JF&CS CEO Terri Bonoff gave her CEO report for Fiscal Year 24 (FY24), bringing to light the successes and reflecting on the areas of improvement for the following year. She began by recognizing JF&CS staff, whom she described as “high quality, passionate and driven individuals” who bring “joy and fulfillment to her work each day.” In addition to the staff, she also spoke of each service area and department, with specific recognition and praise for the leadership and team members in each. She also highlighted successes with The Tasting and the Bright Smiles, Brighter Future fundraising events benefiting Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Services (IDDS) and the Ben Massell Dental Clinic, respectively.
Terri spoke about how the agency is turning the two main shortcomings of FY24 - cash flow and leadership - into growth opportunities. In partnership with the Board of Directors and Foundation Board, the agency created an operational cash reserve account to provide more operational stability. Welcoming new leadership, promoting existing staff, and creating new positions has again positioned the agency for success.
Looking ahead to the coming year, Terri said the focus will be on IDDS growth, and that in all ways “we will deepen what we do well and build on that. We will lean into ways to partner with others in the Jewish and broader community to maximize value and impact.”
AWARDS:
Herbert Kohn Meritorious Service Award Winner: Carly Seigel
Presented by Scott Rittenberg, 2023 Recipient
“I’m so honored to accept this award! It’s a pleasure to serve JF&CS in my capacity as board member and treasurer. The work JF&CS does means so much to me, and I’m glad I’m able to give back in this way.” -Carly Seigel
Arlene Marcus Volunteer of the Year Award: Samantha Paulen
Presented by Arlene Marcus, Past Board Chair
“I am so grateful to have received the Arlene Marcus Volunteer of the Year Award recognition. My volunteerism with JF&CS has been incredibly rewarding and I have enjoyed working across various aspects of the organization over the years. Meeting Arlene herself was an inspiration, as has been the guidance and mentorship I have received from so many involved with the organization. Not only is JF&CS's work vital for our community at large, but inclusive and warm to partner with. I look forward to continuing to give my time and service to this amazing organization, which has helped me grow personally as a leader.” -Samantha Paulen
Stacy G Fialkow Staff Award: Gilda Davis, Clinical Services Practice Manager
Presented by Barbara Jones, 2023 Recipient
“It is both an honor and a privilege to be recognized as the Stacy G. Fialkow award recipient. The nomination alone was a blessing, so to be selected and have my husband and son present; this is a precious moment I will cherish forever.” -Gilda Davis
CHANGES TO THE BOARD:
Completing Service:
Dexter Caffey, Jennifer Feld, Billie Greenberg
Continuing Service:
Lauren Abes, Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder, Sid Besmertnik, Jay Cranman, Ellen Feinsand, Mimi Hall, Ann Kay, Gennye Krasner, Sara Kogon, Bruce Lindemann, David Poline, Victoria Raggs, Phil Ventimiglia, Suzy Wilner
New Board Members:
Sandra Block, Melana McClatchey, Dayna Royal
2024-2025 Board Officers:
Board Chair - Jon Amsler
Vice Chair - Deborah Jacobs
Secretary - Kim Kopelman
Treasurer - Carly Siegel
Assistant Treasurer – Gennye Krasner
Chair of Resource Development - Scott Rittenberg
Chair of Board Governance - Todd Surden
Immediate Past Chair- Rashelle Berry