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About Us

Board & Leadership

The volunteer leaders who guide Federation's strategy, stewardship, and service to the community.
Jeff Schindler

Jeff Schindler

Board Chair, 2026-2027

The Board of Directors sets Federation's strategic direction, ensures fiduciary responsibility, and represents the breadth of San Diego's Jewish community. Board members are volunteers who give generously of their time, expertise, and resources.

2026-2027 Executive Committee

The officers and at-large members who lead the board's work.

JS

Jeff Schindler

Board Chair

DB

David Bark

Immediate Past Board Chair

HG

Heidi Gantwerk

President & Chief Executive Officer

SI

Sonia Israel

Vice Chair and Chair Elect

LK

Larry Katz

Treasurer

MM

Meryl Maneker

Secretary

AH

Allison Hauser Erickson

Vice Co-Chair, Campaign

IL

Ingram Losner

Vice Co-Chair, Campaign

SA

Simone Abelsohn

Director-at-Large

KF

Kira Finkenberg

Director-at-Large

JM

Jack Maizel

Director-at-Large

RR

Robert Rubenstein

Director-at-Large

ES

Elliot Scott

Director-at-Large

2026-2027 Board of Directors

The full board, representing every corner of Jewish San Diego.

TB

Tina Beranbaum

Director-at-Large

MB

Melissa Brill

Women's Philanthropy Board Chair

SC

Silvana Christy

Director-at-Large

DD

Debbie Deverett

Director-at-Large

RD

Ronit Droker

Director-at-Large

SK

Sara Kabakoff

Women's Philanthropy Campaign Co-Chair

DK

Debbie Kornberg

Director-at-Large

SK

Seth Krosner

Director-at-Large

ML

Michael Levinson

Jewish Community Foundation Board Chair

JP

Jeremy Pearl

Permanent Guest, Jewish Community Foundation CEO

LP

Lisa Pearl

Director-at-Large

MP

Marisa Polin Nelson

Women's Philanthropy Campaign Co-Chair

SS

Shari Schenk

Director-at-Large

CS

Charlene Seidle

Permanent Guest, Jewish Community Foundation CPO

SS

Sarah Shekhter

Director-at-Large

VS

Victor Shlionsky

Director-at-Large

ES

Elizabeth Siegler

Director-at-Large

HS

Howard Somers

Director-at-Large

Roster as of the 2026-2027 board year.

Governance & Accountability

How Federation leadership stays transparent and accountable to the community.

Financial Transparency

Annual reports, audited financials, and IRS Form 990 filings are published every year.

View financials →

Professional Team

Day-to-day work is carried out by Federation's professional staff under board oversight.

Staff directory →

Leadership Pipeline

The Goldberg Institute and Young Leadership Council prepare the community's next generation of board leaders.

Leadership programs →

Interested in community leadership?

Board service begins with involvement. Join a program, volunteer, and grow your leadership in Jewish San Diego.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Jewish Federation of San Diego